THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 January, 1993 No.
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." t Peter 2:it
GOD BLESS THY YEAR
God bless thy year:
Thy coming in,
Thy going out,
Thy rest,
Thy travelling about;
The rough,
The smooth,
The bright,
The drear;
God Bless thy year.
From the collection
of Bertie Baker
THE PILGRIM is a religious maoazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $5.00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd. f Tuolumne, CA 95379
THOUGHTS 0® THE NEW YEAR
How many days in a week? How many minutes in an
hour? How many hours in a day? The math drill for
the third graders continued. Students need to
learn and remember facts like these. Besides
knowing the facts, we all need to learn how to use
what we know. In this case it is important to know
how to use the seconds and minutes and hours, how
to meet appointments, and how to avoid wasting
precious time.
Another year has come, and we pause to think on
the seriousness and shortness of our time. 365
days make up a normal year. Each of these days
presents many opportunities for right or wrong
choices. Psalm 90:12 says, "So teach us to number
our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom."
First we see that we must learn this, and we
pray that God will teach us. To number our days is
not something we naturally know how to do. To
number here in the Hebrew means "to weigh out." It
is not simply to count them but to carefully allot
or distribute them. It implies planning and study
to use them well. Many times, because of our
weaknesses and limitations, we must "wait and see."
We cannot plan. But the Christian life should not
be all reaction. Jesus said, "Ye are the salt of
the earth... Ye are the light of the world..." If
this is so, we have a mission; our minutes and
hours are important opportunities to shine, to
flavor, to preserve.
Have you brethren ever been in a crowd of men
where some less-than-edifying stories were told and
had the story teller apologize that you heard it?
This means you represent something to people. May
it be that we represent Jesus Christ.
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The New Year before us can be compared to a
path. As the hours and days pass, we are walking
this path. It has many other people on it. We
interact with them — either helping or hindering.
Jesus' parable about the Good Samaritan gives an
example of this. It is assumed that we will not be
the thieves. But will we be the priest, the
Levite, or the Samaritan who helped the needy
victim?
This path is marked by smooth places where all
seems to go well. The living is easy; we are
carefree and healthy. These times are not always
the safest times. When we have so much, we
sometimes take it for granted and forget to be
thankful.
Then there are the rough places where the path
seems to be uphill. We call for help. God is
faithful to hear us and bring us through. In fact,
He tells us, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee." One of our greatest dangers in the hard
times could be self-pity.
Some days the sun will shine; some days there
will be clouds and rain. We need both. Even on
the cloudy days, the sun is shining up above. If
the sun really stopped shining, we are told that
very shortly all would be still, dark, and cold and
life would cease.
A beautiful picture is given in Malachi 4
describing the work of Jesus as the "Sun of
righteousness" bobh for blessing and healing and
for destruction of evil: "But unto you that fear
my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with
healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth as
calves of the stall. And ye shall tread down the
wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of
your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith
the Lord of Hosts."
The sun marks out the days. It rises and sets,
or at least seems to, as the earth rotates. The
sun gives warmth, light, and the ability for plants
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to produce the food for all creatures of the earth.
Small wonder that people worshipped the sun when
they did not know God. The Sun of righteousness
does all these things for the spiritual life of His
people. He lights the path, gives heat and food.
The question then comes to each one: Has He arisen
in your heart? Will He be your guide for the
minutes and hours of 1993?
WALKING THE ROAD: 1993
Walking the road each day,
Pilling our minutes and hours,
Pleasures we meet,
Fellowship sweet;
What joys and sorrows are ours.
Seeking to know the truth,
Thinking good thoughts and pure;
Lifting the loads,
Smoothing the roads;
These acts will soothe and cure.
Savior confirm our trust;
Lead us each step this year;
Keep us from sin,
Holy within,
Giving a witness clear.
Finally reaching home,
Knowing His hand was strong;
May we be blest
With peace and rest,
Singing the victory song.
-- L.C.
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CHRISTIAN COMMUNICATION
Communicating the Gospel and the teachings of
God's Word is one of a Christian's main
responsibilities. To be effective Christians, we
need to be able to communicate well.
Actually, our greatest challenge may be in
communicating with our own brethren and sisters,
and even with our own family. This gets into the
daily grind of life, and seems to be a more
troublesome area than communicating the Gospel to
those who are "of the world." But can we
effectively communicate the Gospel to those "of the
world" if we cannot communicate effectively among
ourselves?
In order to communicate with someone, it is
helpful to speak and understand the same language.
Yet that is not the most important part of commun-
ication. We still have so many misunderstandings,
even when we know and use the same language*
In order to really understand what someone is
trying to tell us^ we need (many times) to "read
between the lines." We need to "have eyes in the
back of our heart." In other words, we need to be
able to put ourselves in their situation, walk a
mile in their shoes. How can we do this?
Have we learned how to really listen when
someone is trying to tell us something? To
communicate effectively, we must not be preoccupied
with our own thoughts. We need to consider the
facial expression, gesture, tone of voice,
inflections, and even the posture of the person who
is talking. These things may be more important
than the words they are saying. We try to cover up
our true feelings at times. After all, are we not
supposed to be joyful and "on top of things"?
The smiling face that we may see
Oft goes alone to weep.
Think not the countenance reveals
The feelings hidden deep.
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The smiling face hides pain and grief
To lighten others' care.
Pray oft for those with a smiling face,
They need your earnest prayer.
— Selected
Lest we become too discouraged about the seeming
impossibility of good communication, I hasten to
add that help is available. We have an Interpreter
who is on call 24 hours a day, to help us
understand others and to help us be understood.
Words djo have power. We need to learn to build
others up instead of tearing people down (Romans
12:14-16). We need to speak gentle words (Prov-
15:1), appropriate words (Prov 25:11), restrained
or £ uar( 3ed words (Prov. 17:28), and healing words
(Prov. 15:4).
Even if we would become communication "experts,"
we will still have misunderstandings at times. We
will not have perfect communication until we reach
that "happy land."
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of
my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Lord, my
strength, and my redeemer." (Psalm 19:4)
A little said, and truly said,
Can deeper joy impart,
Than many words that reach the head
And never reach the heart.
— Selected
--"In all things charity."
Martha Cable
Goshen, Indiana
BIRTH
COVER — A daughter, Sarah Jo Ellen, born December
27, to Ben and Jolene Cover of Tuolumne, California.
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UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
PERILOUS TIMES
II Timothy 3:1: "This know also that in the
last days perilous times shall come." Apostle Paul
then gives a long list of sins that will become
prevalent in the last days. So we understand all
these excuses will increase until the falling away
from truth becomes so great, God will call the
world into judgement.
ADOPTED SONS
Galatians 4:6: "And because ye are sons, God
hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your
hearts, crying, Abba, Father." So we see we have
been adopted into the family of God and His Son
when we accept the Spirit into our hearts. Jesus
told the disciples to address God as our Father
which art in heaven.
SATAN'S TEMPTATIONS
Matthew 4:8,9: "Again, the devil taketh him up
into an exceeding high mountain, and sheweth him
all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of
them; And saith unto him, All these things will I
give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me."
But Jesus stood firm, and rebuked Satan. Satan
still dwells in the hearts of unbelievers today and
causes them to want to throw off the laws that
forbid sin. God gave Sodom and Gomorrah as an'
example of the fate of unbelievers. James 4:11:
"Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that
speaketh evil of his brother, and judge th his
brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judge th the
law..."
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A STILL SMALL VOICE
In the 19th chapter of I Kings, God demonstrated
to Elijah, how He communicates with man by wind,
earthquakes, fire, but He speaks with "a still
small voice." God may use His great power to wake
people up, but He still speaks with love and
compassion to those that listen.
— Ernest Wagner
GLOBAL WARMING
A time is coming,
So scientists say,
The globe will grow warmer
Than it is today.
The oceans will rise
And the mountains will fall;
The temperature change
Will bring change to us all.
Our great San Joaquin Valley
Will be San Joaquin Bay;
San Francisco will simply
Be washed away.
"It's the greenhouse effect,"
The scientists state,
"That's warming our world
And sealing our fate."
But they do not know,
In a Book, on a page,
Global warming's predicted
At the end of the age.
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The trumpet will sound
And Christ will descend,
And real global warming
Will start to set in.
Then terror will strike
Those who do not believe,
Who in their complacency
Did not receive
The salvation of God
Through Jesus our Lord,
And who in their pride
His Gospel ignored.
But the righteous will rise
To shine forth as the sun;
God's church completed;
His work on earth done.
And when the earth burns
And melts with great heat,
God's global warming
Will then be complete.
— Eddie Wagner
Davis, California
Make it a point to say an encouraging word to a
young Christian this week. We can all use the
encouragement to be faithful or a lift in some
special struggle, if someone is discerning enough
to notice. Older Christians may tend to forget the
doubts, fears, and struggles that were a part of
our early years of serving the Lord. Or we may
never have been inclined to the discouragements of
others. Whatever the case, remember that someone
needs a lift; possibly the Lord is looking to you
to provide it. Do not be ashamed. It will be the
means of drawing you to a closer relationship with
that individual.
--from The Timely Truth Jan., 1991
10 THE PILGRIM
Pfetorical
"BASIC OR GROUND SEARCHING QUESTIONS" PROPOSED
TO ALEXANDER MACK AND HIS BRETHREN BY EBERHARD
LOUIS GRUBER. (Continued)
QUESTION 35: Can and dare your teachers and
elders bring the testimonies of their consciences
before God that the Holy Spirit established them as
shepherds in their churches to look after their
flock as churches of God? Do they possess and can
they demonstrate the spiritual gifts required and
necessary for this, as given in II Corinthians 6,
etc.?
ANSWER: Of course, they must be able to bring
it before God; otherwise they would not be true
shepherds. They should not be worried or grieved
if men do not believe this, but rather rejoice, if
their names are cast out as evil by the people.
(Luke 6:22)
QUESTION 36: Must they not admit before God in
their souls that many among them were much more
loving, meek, humble, and so forth before their
baptism than afterwards?
ANSWER: Our answer to this is "No," unless it
would be for those who were cut off as withered
branches, or unless this meant the simulated love
which is feigned for the sake of bread or honor,
and which does not punish sins and errors. This
kind of love says: "Leave me alone in my own will,
opinion, and actions, and I will leave you alone in
yours; we will love each other and be brethren."
If this is meant, then we confess that it is true.
Unfortunately, we stayed long enough in this
pernicious hypocritical love, while we were still
among the Pietists. Now we have learned, and must
continue to learn, that kind of love which hates
and punishes wickedness and evil.
QUESTION 37: Is it not true that you began your
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new baptism with much uncertainty and wavering and
have continued in this way up to now? Has this not
also been shown in other things, as, for example,
you once rejected the married state, and then soon
permitted it again—once did away with work, then
introduced it again?
ANSWER: We have begun the baptism of the Lord
Jesus in accordance with His command in great
assurance of faith. The dear God has sustained and
confirmed us in this to this day by His grace
amidst great opposition* We indeed can say with
great certainty that those who believe should be
baptized. But it is true that we had to continue
discussions on marriage, work, yes, and still other
matters, after the baptism. Before our baptism,
when we were still among the Pietists, we were not
taught otherwise by those who were deemed great
saints. Therefore, we had much contention until we
abandoned the errors which we had absorbed.
QUESTION 38: On which point, then, can the
undoubted divini ty of your new church be recognized
before all others in the whole world?
ANSWER: We indeed have neither a new church nor
any new laws. We only want to remain in simplicity
and the true faith in the original church which
Jesus founded through His blood. We wish to obey
the commandment which was in the beginning. We do
not demand that undoubted divinity be recognized in
our church fellowship. Rather, we would wish that
undoubted divinity might indeed be recognized in
Christ Himself, and then in the church at Jerusalem.
If this and its divinity in teaching, words, and
commandments were to be acknowledged, then it could
be determined whether a church has this divine
teaching in it or not. If this is realized, then
we think that it would be sufficient to recognize a
church before all other churches in the whole
world, if she is subject, as true wife to her
husband Christ, to His commands, yes, if it still
strives to be even more submissive. Whoever has
not known Christ in the divinity of His command-
12 THE PILGRIM
ments will hardly recognize His church even if the
twelve apostles were serving as its bishops and
teachers.
QUESTION 39: Are you yourselves assured, and
have you already received the eternal assurance in
the divine test of fire, that God Himself
recognizes you and would have you recognized? How
do you propose to prove this and make it credible?
ANSWER: We must certainly have assurance before
God, as Paul describes it (Romans 5:1,2):
"Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we
have peace through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through
him we have obtained access to this grace in which
we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the
glory of God." This assurance, however, is no
longer promised, as it was also promised to the
apostles, by the Lord Jesus (John 15:7): as long
as they abide in Him, and His word abides with
them, they are His rightful disciples. Whatever
they asked for would be granted them. Thus it
remains: he that is faithful in the teachings of
Jesus, even to the end, will be saved.
— from European Origins of the Brethren
by Donald Durnbaugh
BIBLE STUDY
The sixteenth chapter of the Acts begins with
the beginning of Paul's second missionary journey.
They had already been to Syria and Cilicia
"confirming the churches." We find them at Derbe
and Lystra. This was the home of Timothy. Lystra
was the same place that Paul was stoned on the last
journey. There was no doubt a church in Lystra*
From there they went to various cities in Phrygia
and Galatia, but the Holy Ghost had other plans for
them and forbad them to preach in Asia or Bithynia
which adjoins Asia. They journeyed on to Troas and
received a vision of a man calling them to come
over into Macedonia.
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At Troas, we see there was a change in the way
things were written down. Until now everything was
told as "they" went to a certain place. Now it is
told "we" endeavored (v.10). Since we understand
that Luke wrote the bock of Acts, we believe that
Luke joined company with them here.
From Troas, they took the shortest route, by
water, to Philippi, and the first incident we read
of was of the company meeting with some women on
the Sabbath by a river to pray. Lydia was
converted here, and she took Paul's company home
and fed them.
Paul cast a devil out of a damsel that was a
soothsayer or fortune-teller. Of course, this left
her masters without an income, so they captured
Paul and Silas and brought them before the rulers.
The rulers whipped them on their bare backs many
times, and the jailor clapped them in stocks in the
most secure prison. We all know the story of the
Philippian jailor. He made a real change that
night. Verse 24 says he "thrust them into the
inner prison and made their feet fast in the
stocks." Then after the earthquake and being saved
from suicide, the jailor took them to his house and
fed them and washed their stripes and was baptized.
Paul used his Roman citizenship to God's glory
here. He felt the magistrate had done wrong in
whipping them and casting them into prison. They
acknowledged their wrong but did not accept the
Gospel.
One thing we discussed which was good was why
Paul was disturbed when it seemed this damsel (in
verses 16-18) was glorifying God in what she was
saying. The disturbance she was making was
uncalled for — probably even interrupting Paul's
preaching. It was also mentioned that perhaps Paul
saw she was being used of the devil, and he didn't
think it right to have that kind of witness.
14 THE PILGRIM
How thankful we can be to have this chapter! It
may just seem like early church history, but it is
more than that. It tells of courage in trial,
power over devils, the Holy Spirit's leading, and
the zeal of the early Christians. May we follow
them as they followed Christ. — Peter Cover
THE DIFFERENCE
I got up early one morning
And rushed right into the day;
I had so much to accomplish
That I didn't have time to pray.
Problems just tumbled about me
And heavier came each task.
"Why doesn't God help me?" I wondered.
He said, "But you didn't ask."
I wanted to see joy and beauty,
But the day toiled on, gray and bleak;
I wondered why God didn't show me.
He said, "But you didn't seek."
I tried to come into God's presence;
I used all my keys at the lock;
God gently and lovingly chided,
"My child, you didn't knock."
I woke up early this morning
And paused before entering the day.
I had so much to accomplish
That I had to take time to pray.
— Author unknown
Selected by Melvin and Marilyn Coning
FOR YOUTH
Our selection for the youth today is on meekness
from the book Spirit Fruit by John M. Drescher. We
recommend this book as good reading.
MEEKNESS MISUNDERSTOOD
In modern thinking, meekness is not a coveted
quality, while there is hardly a characteristic
which better distinguishes Christianity. Meekness
to many means spinelessness, lack of courage or
strength. It is the opposite. Most of the
precious promises of the Scripture are to the meek.
We like to think, Blessed are the strong, the
shrewd, those who stand up for their rights, those
who refuse to be taken advantage of; those who al-
ways look out for slights; those who strike it rich
and make a success. We have a tendency to set high
value on self-assertion. The natural standpoint is
that a strong person is one who not only does what
he wills but also bends others to do his will.
Meekness is not native to the natural soil of
the heart. It is not a natural disposition or
psychological makeup. It grows in the garden of
the Holy Spirit. Meekness is meant to characterize
every Christian regardless of temperament.
Meekness has a twofold expression. Toward God
it issues in complete trust and submission to God.
Meekness is to be mastered by the will of God.
(John 6:38; 26:39)* It results in gentleness,
consideration, courtesy. It is strength under
control. Meekness is the character of the one who
has the power to retaliate yet remains kind. It is
from such a spirit that the expression gentle-man
or gentleman arises.
Meekness in the Greek is used to describe an
animal which has been trained by its master. Wild
and unruly animals are worthless. But when trained
they become meek (teachable and quiet). If we
remember this background of the term, we will see
that meekness is strength under the control of God
and that gentleness is power.
CHILDREN'S PAGE: MORE LIKE JESUS
Johnny and Carl had each received a new
tractor. Johnny's was bigger than Carl's. Soon
Joe came to play. He too had a new tractor. Joe's
parents were poor so he had a wooden tractor. Soon
all three boys were playing happily together. It
wasn't long until Carl wanted a bigger tractor. He
wanted to trade with Johnny, but Johnny wouldn't
trade. Both boys were arguing instead of playing.
Joe was quietly playing with his wooden one. How
could Joe be happy and the other boys be arguing?
Was it because Joe's parents were poor or that his
tractor was wood? No, it was because Joe had
learned to be content. Whatever Joe had he was
glad for.
Do you think when Jesus was a boy that He
complained about His toys? Jesus was a child as
you are. He had many things He could have
complained about. He was born in a manger with the
lowly cattle. His parents were poor. They moved
from place to place. As a small boy, Jesus was an
example of "Pilgrims and Strangers." He was a
contented boy.
As you children go from day to day, there will
be things that you see that you would like to
have. As you start the New Year, try to be like
Joe and be content. Let your friends have what
they have. Do not wish your tractor or doll was
like theirs. The Bible tells us if we live a good
life and be content we will have great gain. This
gain will go to our storehouse in Heaven.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Content makes poor
men rich; discontent makes rich men poor."
— Everett Oyler
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 FEBRUARY, 1992 No. 2
''Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." / Peter 2:tt
SPEAK GENTLY
Speak gently; it is better far
To rule by love than fear;
Speak gently; let no harsh word mar
The good we may do here.
Speak gently to the young, for they
Will have enough to bear;
Pass through this life as best they may,
*Tis full of anxious care.
Speak gently to the aged one,
Grieve not the careworn heart
Whose sands of life are nearly run;
Let such in peace depart.
Speak gently to the erring; know
They must have toiled in vain;
Perchance unkindness made them so;
Oh, win them back again I
Speak gently; 'tis a little thing
Dropped in the heart's deep well;
The good, the joy, that it may bring,
Eternity shall tell.
— David Bates
from Poems for Memorization
THE PfLGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $5.00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover.
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
AND, YE FATHERS...
The scene was Preston State Prison where 800
young men between the ages of sixteen and twenty-
one, put in their time "day in and day out." We
had traveled there to participate in a short
service by singing with a group. Before the
service in the chapel began, twenty young men were
ushered in by a guard. They came from various
"lodges" in the sprawled prison compound. Out of
800, twenty attended this service. There had been
some fights that day, (According to the chaplain,
fights are traditional as the new year begins.) and
several of the lodges were "locked down." Besides,
this was an optional activity and one that was
permitted only on good behavior. So some could
not, and some would not attend. Twenty out of 8001
But the ones that attended listened quietly, and
the chaplain reported that some had , made a
commitment to Jesus Christ and others were
beginning — had applied for baptism.
When the service ended, the young men were again
ushered out by a guard. We had no opportunity to
speak with the prisoners. (However, on other
occasions, this is possible*) As we left, we were
all touched with the sadness, the near hopelessness
of the situation. This place was surrounded by a
high tight fence topped with coils of bright
"razorwire" with sharp points that would discourage
climbing over. We were counted in and counted out
and required to leave any pockeb knives with the
authorities. They try to foresee any attempts at
foul play. Even while we were there one of the
young converts to Christianity had been taken to
the hospital after having been beaten by fellow
prisoners using a sock stuffed with several
padlocks!
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This is only one of hundreds of prisons across
the land. The wasted resources are astounding.
Instead of being useful, active, productive
contributors to society, these 800 strong young men
cost the government $22,000.00 each per year.
Where does God place the responsibility for the
tragic loss represented here? The problems of most
of these cases can be traced to poor homes, broken
homes, non-Christian homes, possibly homes without
a faithful father. Ephesians 6:4 says, "And, ye
fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but
bring them up in the nuture and admonition of the
Lord." Any of us who are fathers realize this is a
big order — one impossible without God's help.
More and more we realize the importance of the
early training of children. Good fathers come in
all sizes, many temperaments, various backgrounds.
Good homes, also, are of many types — rich and poor,
various customs, and with different numbers of
children. But one characteristic is absolutely
essential if the training of children fulfills
Ephesians 6:4 of "bringing them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord." Fathers and mothers
must be God-fearing and devout — realizing their
need of help from God's Holy Spirit, with God's
Word and the Lord Jesus uppermost and each family
member in his special place.
We have examples in Scripture of faithful and
unfaithful men. For some of them, even the cause
is pointed out. For Moses (and Aaron, too,) we see
parents who were "not afraid of the king's command-
ment" to destroy their boy. About Timothy, Paul
wrote "that from a child thou hast known the holy
scripture, which are able to make thee wise unto
salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."
On the other hand, we read of Adonijah, David's
son who rebelled and proclaimed himself king. It
is recorded of Adonijah (and it probably applied
also to Absalom, his full brother) that "his father
had not displeased him at any time in saying, Why
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hast thou done so?..." He was apparently never
disciplined.
About Abraham, God said, "For I know him, that
he will command his children and his household
after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord,
to do justice and judgement; that the Lord may
bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of
him." (Genesis 18:19)
The book of Proverbs abounds with advxce to
fathers, "Withhold not correction from the child:
for if thou beatest him with the rod, he shall not
die. Thou shalt beat him with the rod, and shalt
deliver his soul from hell." (23:13»14) The writer
here is not talking about child abuse but about
fatherly, loving discipline. Some of us have
experienced how wonderfully a matter is cleared
when the father administers punishment for
wrongdoing and then comforts the sobbing, penitent
child by holding him tight and assuring him he is
loved dearly. If on the other hand, parents scold
and nag at wrongdoing without punishing, the matter
is not cleared and the child is only assumed that
his parents are critical of him. Proverbs 13:24
states a truth: "He that spareth his rod hateth
his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him
betimes." This passage certainly doesn't mean we
must be always beating our children. The "rod"
here could even mean authority and parental
correction. "Betimes" means "timely", "early", or
"in good time."
The modern philosophies of child training
usually do not include these Bible principles.
But, be assured, God's ways are right and
unchanging. What better trick could the adversary
devise that to spoil a child before he is even old
enough to choose? Satan's attack on the homes is
resulting in broken homes, rebellious children, and
full prisons.
But consider the possibilities of a godly home.
The children are in their places. The father is in
THE PILGRIM
control with the support of the mother. The young
folks are industrious and productive, working at
their own jobs or making the family projects move
ahead • The government is spared and God is praised
as godliness and honor to Jesus Christ abound.
Train your children; make them mind;
As you rear them, you will find
Loving discipline will pay
Dividends at judgement day.
Teach them kindness, mercy, love;
Tell them often God above
Watches children, knows their fears,
Sees their actions, dries their tears.
One time, only once you may
Check their angers, guide their play.
Soon they're grown and out of reach;
Now is your right time to teach.
Prisons overflow their space.
Heaven's open; there a place
Is prepared by Christ the Lord;
Each can win the full reward.
--L.C.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Sometimes a light surprises
The child of God who sings.
It is the Lord that rises
With healing in His wings.
When comforts are declining,
He grants the soul again
A season of clear shining
To cheer it after rain.
THE PILGRIM
In holy contemplation
We sweetly then pursue
The theme of God's salvation,
And find it ever new.
Set free from present sorrow
We cheerfully can say,
Let the unknown tomorrow
Bring with it what it may.
It can bring with it nothing
But He will bear us through.
Who gives the lilies clothing
Will clothe His people, too.
Beneath the spreading heavens
No creature but is fed,
And He who feeds the ravens
Will give His children bread.
Though vine and fig tree neither
Their wonted fruit shall bear,
Though all the fields shall wither,
Nor flocks nor herds be there,
Yet God, the same abiding,
His praise shall tune my voice,
For while in Him confiding
I cannot but rejoice.
--William Cowper, 1779
A favorite of Edna Baker
— Selected by Rosanna Royer
??QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS??
We have another question-
one — for this issue. We would
from our readers.
-a very relevant
like some answers
What should our answer be when called for jury
duty? And what scriptural reasons do we have for
our answer?
— Linda Frick
THE PILGRIM
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
SALVATION
Romans 10:9: "That if thou shalt confess with
thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in
thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead,
thou shalt be saved." We read how hard it was for
His apostles to believe He had really risen from
the dead. How about us? Do we really expect to
see the dead raised and join them, to follow Jesus
to Heaven? We have much more revealed in the
written Word than they had. If we look forward in
hope, we will see that great day.
CORRECTION
Timothy 3:16: "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good work." Human nature has
remained the same since the fall. Man would rather
hide than receive correction or try to excuse
himself because of what others have done. Ezekiel
18 explains this attitude. The lives of David and
Paul tell of their sins, but also tell of their
being willing to receive correction. The Lord
gives us opportunities to receive correction, and
gives us the example to follow.
OBEDIENCE
Hebrews 5:8: "Though he were a Son, yet learned
he obedience by the things which He suffered."
Peter didn't believe Jesus should suffer any
persecution. Job's friends couldn't believe Job
hadn't sinned when he was afflicted. But we read
that if we are without chastisement, we are bastards
and not sons. If we are willing to accept help, we
can receive the benefits.
8 THE PILGRIM
MERCY
Matthew 5:7: "Blessed are the merciful: for
they shall obtain mercy." Under the law given
through Moses, sin was to be punished without
mercy, but Jesus brought us a new way to handle sin
with mercy. We are told to make a great effort to
settle our differences between our members, without
bringing them to judgement, for mercy rejoiceth
against judgement. Apostle Paul told the
Corinthians what they needed to do to handle the
case of fornication. But he also told them to
confirm their love, lest the punishment left the
brother without hope of repentance.
A LIVELY HOPE
In John 11:26: Jesus said, "And whosoever
liveth and believe th in me shall never die.
Believe th thou this?" So the all important
question for us is this: do we really belive that
Jesus lived two thousand years ago, and that He
lives today, after being resurrected from the dead?
— Ernest Wagner
SUPPOSE YOU WERE BORN OLD?
My hat is off to elderly Christians. I admire
their beauty. The ones I know are thoughtful and
kind, patient and loving. Through years of
imitating Christ they have grown more and more into
His image. Physical health may be failing, the
eyesight growing dim, the hearing failing, but
there is no reason to lose heart. Why? The inner
nature is being renewed every day... and these
saints are more lovely than they have ever been.
THE PILGRIM
For those who resent the passing years , an
interesting possibility has been suggested by
Charles L. Allen. He writes, "Just suppose the
process were reversed. You would start living at
an old age and every day be a little younger. Now
that would be terrible. Every day you would know a
little less than you knew the day before. You
would start off with your grandchildren but in a
few years they would all be gone. Your family,
instead of growing, would constantly be diminish-
ing. You would eventually get to the age where you
start to college. You would start off a senior and
end up in first grade. Now, little first graders
are cute with their short pants or little pink
dresses, but I would hate to think I would have to
be one again.
"Tottering old age has its drawbacks but being a
tiny baby is a lot worse. If you were getting
younger, you would have to look forward to losing
everything and end up by being a helpless baby with
a bottle. Finally, you would just fade away into
nothing. Babies do not have a previous existance,
so complete oblivion would be the end."
When it is put like that, even I can see the
advantage of growing older rather than shrinking
younger. In the spiritual realm, who would want
his faith to grow weaker day by day? Who would
want to see his Christ-like qualities diminish with
the passing of time? Who would want to give up the
personal experiences where God has proven his faith-
fulness time and again in ones own life? Not Mel
Experience is a great teacher. We are confident
that:
"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew
their strength; they shall mount up with wings as
eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)
— John Gipson from Pulpit Helps
published by AMG International
10 THE PILGRIM
Pfetorttal
"BASIC OR GROUND SEARCHING QUESTIONS" PROPOSED
TO ALEXANDER MACK AND HIS BRETHREN BY EBERHARD
LOUIS GRUBER. (Continued)
QUESTION 40: Do you expect a better outcome for
your church than that of the former Anabaptists?
From where should this come? What is the assurance
of your souls before and from God, who is impartial
and who utterly humiliates and destroys all that is
high and exalted, even all sects that pride and
seek only themselves?
ANSWER: If we remain in the teaching of the New
Testament, we expect this outcome, namely, that the
fulfillment of our faith will be eternal life. In
return for insignificant shame and suffering, we
will obtain immeasurably momentous glory. We
cannot testify for our descendants — as their faith
is, so shall be their outcome. Nevertheless, we
can say this, that the outcome of the former
Baptists has turned out far better than that of all
other religions. The Baptist seed is still far
better than the seed of Luther, Calvin, and also
that of the Catholics. These have had a completely
wild, yes, bestial outcome, which is self-evident.
The Jews and the Turks are scandalized by the
horrible wickedness of these three religions. Not
even with gallows and torture can they keep them,
who are of one faith, from murdering one another in
their homes, which happens often enough. What is
still more horrible, they go publicly to war, and
slaughter one another by the thousands. All this
is the fruit of infant baptism.
No Baptist will be found in war, and few in
prison or on the gallows because of their crimes.
The majority of them are inclined to peacefulness.
It is still possible to sleep unconcernedly among
them and not need to fear robbery or even murder if
THE PILGRIM 11
one has much money. It would indeed be desirable
that the whole world were full of these
"deteriorated" Baptists* Their outcome has turned
out far better than that of many from among the
Pietists who have again taken an evil turn. Hardly
had they left the great Babel several years before
than they voluntarily returned to it. When the
beginning is like this, the outcome will be very
miserable and wretched. May God keep all Baptists
in His grace so that they may not turn toward evil
once more and then their outcome will be mentioned
above, namely, the eternal life of joy.
[gruber]
These are the most urgent questions about your
new baptism and church, that were deemed neccessary
to present at this time to you, dear friends, for
your own sake as well as that of others. You may
now consider them, and prepare you corporate, clear,
and candid explanations with your accompanying
reasons. You should do this in such a manner as
you can dare to account for such and important
matter before the countenance of Jesus Christ, all
His holy angels, and the elect on the inevitable
day of most strict examination of this, your new
work, without contradicting Hi3 noble Spirit in
your consciences or those of others.
[Mack]
Beloved Friends:
Upon your request, we have published in love
these answers to every one of the forty points of
the searching questions which you have submitted to
us upon our good consciences before God. They are
answered according to our faith and good conscience
before the God who sent His Son out of love to the
world that we should hear, believe, and have
eternal life through our faith in Him- If, then,
your salvation and blessedness are dear to you,
hasten and bow your necks under the seep tor of this
12 THE PILGRIM
great King. Believe that His teaching is true and
His baptism is saving and blessed for poor
sinners. Do not say, "Of what use is this water
for me?" and do not try to comfort yourselves with
your infant baptism, which was introduced into the
world in contradiction to God's Word.
Otherwise, may this simple testimony (which is
published by the Baptists at Schwarzenau upon
urgent appeal) be a witness along with your own
consciences, at the great Day of Judgement of the
Lord Jesus, who will come with flaming fire to take
vengence on those who were disobedient to His
gospel. Now, to the slain Lamb, who alone has
might and power in heaven and on earth, be praise,
honor, and glory, from eternity to eternity. Amen.
"Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every
eye shall see him, every one who pierced him."
(Revelation 1:7) Amen.
Published at Schwarzenau, in the month of July, in
the year of our Lord 1713-
— from European Origins of the Brethren
by Donald Durnbaugh
ADDRESS CHANGE: Elma Moss
4254 Richmond-Palestine
Road
New Madison, Ohio 45346
BIRTHS
WAGNER — A daughter, Laurel Anne, born January 22,
to Lloyd and Beth Wagner of Modesto, California.
GARBER — A daughter, Betty Sue, born January 26, to
Clair and Ruth Garber of Chamber sburg, Pennsylvania.
THE PILGRIM 13
BEARING FRUIT
Fruit bearing that brings honor and glory to God
is the testimony and seal of our faith. It also
expresses the personality of God. God never asks
anything of us that He wasn't willing to do.
"Now the God of patience and consolation grant
you to be likeminded one toward another according
to Christ Jesus." (Romans 15:5)
"But in all things approving ourselves as the
ministers of God, in much patience , in afflictions,
in necessities, in distresses." (II Corinthians 6:4)
"We give thanks to God always for you all, making
mention of you in our prayers; Remembering without
ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and
patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the
sight of God and our Father." (l Thess. 1:2-3)
The word patience isn't used in the Old Test-
ament. Under law it was an eye for an eye and a
tooth for a tooth. This shows one of the contrasts
of the law and grace.
As we view life and all its struggles, we can
see why Jesus said, "In your patience possess ye
your souls."
The Scriptures are clear that if we don' t
exercise patience to one another God will not
continue in His patience to us. (Matthew 18:23-35)
Fruit bearing that is adorned with patience has
a special quality. "But that on the good ground
are they, which in an honest and good heart, having
heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with
patience . " (Luke 8:15)
As the Christian's hope and glory is in the
future, only with Godly patience can we maintain
courage and strength to press toward the mark for
the prize of the high calling of God in Christ
Jesus.
As we serve in patience we prove that God is in
control. — Kenneth Martin
Nappanee, Indiana
14 THE PILGRIM
FOR YOUTH: LITTLE THINGS
Isn't it true that the little irritations often
cause more trouble than the large problems? The
pebbles in our shoe, the slow leak in a tire, or
the weeds in the flower bed cause small but
frequent and vexing problems.
John M. Drescher in Spirit Fruit tells it this
way: ~" .~™~™— ~~~
Dr. Roy S. Nicholson illustrated the importance
of little things in recalling the history of the
Panama Canal. The first attempt to dig a canal
across the Isthmus of Panama was made by a French
company. Men and machinery tackled mountains and
jungles. The project was abandoned, however, not
because of the mountains, but because of mosquitoes.
Yellow fever, from mosquitoes, killed thousands.
American doctors found ways of protecting persons
against the mosquitoes. When the mosquitoes were
taken care of the mountains soon succumbed. There
is a great difference between the size of mountains
and mosquitoes. Yet the small mosquitoes did more
damage. More men perished from the bite of
mosquitoes than from dangers in the mountains.
No one succeeds in the big opportunities of life
who has not been faithful in small obligations.
"He that is faithful in that which is least is
faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in
the least is unjust also in much." (Luke 16:10)
Similarly the small duties often are more
important than the seemingly great ones. How vital
it is to be faithful in little things! To develop
good habits in things like listening, bringing in
wood, taking out garbage, learning school lessons
on time, or even writing a short article for the
Youth Page in The Pilgrim , (lT) have such a bearing
on our larger duties.
Learning to drive a car consists in doing little
things in the proper sequence. You need to master
THE PILGRIM 15
bhe starting, the shifting, braking, signaling,
steering, and a number of little details of paying
attention to other cars, to pedestrians, to possible
dangers. All together these little skills make for
the larger accomplishment of driving on your own.
So it is in the Christian life. Small tempt-
ations need to be overcome. Our thoughts need to
be directed. Our daily Bible reading should become
a habit. We need to obey our parents and harmonize
with brothers and sisters. These are small duties
but they add up to a life yielded to the Lord — a
life of selflessness.
Jesus has done the part impossible for us, that
of dying for our sins. He asks us to do our small
duty by believing Him and obeying His Word. — L.C.
IF YOU FIND YOURSELF...
enjoying any book
more than your Bible,
loving any person
more than our Lord Jesus Christ,
seeking the fellowship of men
more than that of the Holy Spirit,
coveting any pleasure
more than your prayer times,
reverencing any house
more than the House of God,
satisfied with any table
more than the Lord's Table,
or delighted with any prospect
more than the return of the Lord Jesus,
...THEN TAKE ALARM!
— Selected
CHILDREN'S PAGE: "AND I SHALL BE INNOCENT"
Every boy and girl wants to get big and be a
success in life. This is good but sometimes we get
carried away and forget that we have a Heavenly
Father to follow. Some people aren't satisfied
until they have a big bank account or until they
can do something great. Solomon says all this is
vanity. Anything we do without Jesus is vanity.
Sixty-nine years ago there was a little girl
born. She looked a little different from most
girls. In her school years she only went to the
third grade. She had a wonderful memory. If she
once met you and learned your name, she would never
forget you. Anyone she met was her friend because
she was friendly to everyone. When she was around
someone that cried, she would cry. If you were
happy, she was happy.
David the shepherd boy said , "Keep me from
wanting to sin. Do not let evil have any place in
me. Then I shall be upright and I shall be
innocent." Paul tells us that the children of God
are to act like Christ, in all we do, at all times.
I am confident Marie Oyler was found innocent in
God*s eyes. To many people, Marie wasn't a success
in life. Jesus tells us how to be a success. Mark
10:15: "If we receive God's kingdom as a little
child, we will enter into Heaven." Truly Marie was
a little child for sixty-nine years. If you see
anyone that is not as well blessed with a good mind
or good health... be good to them... they need YOU.
— Everett Oyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA.
THE PILGRIM
19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 MARCH, 1993 NO. 3
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." / Peter 2:ti
A PICTURE OF JESUS ■
I'll paint a picture of Jesus,
A picture for all to see
To show His great benevolence —
His right to set sinners free.
His eyes will reveal His goodness
With kindness reflected there.
Innocence, peace, serenity
With us He's willing to share.
Pity and sorrow for others
I'll paint there for all to see;
Blessing and healing virtues
That reach down even to me.
His hands will be strong and reaching
To any poor person in need.
His feet will go in low places;
His power will a multitude feed.
His garments were the most simple —
No gorgeous robe did He wear.
I'll shade the whole picture with love
For all who behold Him there.
— Chester Budd
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $£00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
THE SAVIOUR: ALL WE NEED
We all need the Saviour. We are like sleeping
infants — mostly unaware of our needs, but
completely dependent on someone. The physical
needs of the body are obvious, and have more
immediate consequences. But our spiritual needs of
our Saviour are far more vital with consequences
reaching into eternity.
Researchers say that our bodies need air, water,
food, exercise, rest, protection from extremes of
temperature, from injury, from disease, etc. We
have these needs supplied in the world unless we
abuse the provisions we have been given.
The spiritual needs are more difficult to
analyze by research, but the Bible describes them,
and we feel them inside. Someone has said that man
has a "God-shaped void" in him that none but God
can fill. In our spirits there is life to find and
maintain. Jesus revealed in conversation with the
Father the answer to our need for life; "And this
is life eternal, that they might know thee the only
true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
(John 17:3)
Man fell in the very beginning. How it would
have been if he had not disobeyed, we do not know.
But we know that now we need the Saviour.
Babies begin life needing love and care. The
mothers are well suited to fill this need. But in
our time many do not care. Thousands of babies are
being slain before they draw their breath. One
picture shows the Saviour on His knees weeping and
holding in one hand a tiny fetus. This may be a
true picture, but the Saviour sorrows not so much
for the baby as for the hardness of human hearts
and the sins that produced the situation in which
THE PILGRIM
mothers do not want their babies. Paul prophesies
to Timothy that men in the last days will be
"lovers of their own selves. . .unthankful, unholy,
without natural affection..." No, the babies are
not the worst tragedy. They are safe and certainly
spared from a life in a deficient home, unwanted,
untrained, without hope. The tragedy is the fallen
state of mothers and fathers in desperate need of
the Saviour.
Children in every age need to be taught. The
schools are not enough. They need the advantage of
a joyful Christian home with loving parents. Their
main duty is to obey their parents. But many are
being propelled into young adulthood without
training. They are given all the "things" that
money can buy. They are offered their own choices
of what they want to eat, how they spend their
time, what they will wear, how they will look; and
they are not prepared for these choices. Christian
parents, for your children's sake, teach and show
them the delightful ways of the Lord. Show them by
cheerful example that we must sometimes do things,
eat things, and endure things that we do not enjoy,
that we should not waste food or any of the good
things God gives us. They have a right to know the
truth about life and to be taught the Word of God.
They have a right to be shown' that they need the
Saviour.
Young people, with their freshness and vitality,
need to have that strength channeled in the right
direction. They need things to do — the challenge
of ministering to a dying world whose only hope is
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They need bright
examples of faithful adults who love them. They
need to know their greatest need is the Saviour who
forgives and gives new life and then walks with us
each day. Young people need to learn self-denial.
This is contrary to their instincts as children.
But it is so vital in rejoicing Christian adults.
The principle of self-denial brings us to
married folks. Husbands and wives need each
THE PILGRIM
other. But most of all they need the Saviour.
Self-denial is vital in the home, but without the
Saviour it is not complete. We need to see a cause
beyond our own. A home honoring the Saviour and
dedicated to bringing up Godly children has a
blessed goal for which self-denial is one of the
means. Self-denial without a Godly motive can even
become selfish, fostering self pity and a false
sense of righteousness. In the cheerful home we
deny self for the good of our campanions and
children in the cause of Christ.
Old folks need the Saviour. Day is fading to
evening. Strength is giving way to weakness. Time
is running out. Blessed are we when we have our
Saviour in old age. He comforts and gives peace.
Someone has said, "God remembers us when we cannot
remember ourselves." One of the most beautiful
Christian examples is the contented aged one who
has walked with the Lord all his days. To see
love, joy, and peace tested and matured gives
victorious encouragement to the younger ones, still
new on the Christian path. Their message is "It
can be done by the help of our Saviour."
Men and women, young and old, need the Saviour
because of sin. The Bible says that all have
sinned and come short of the glory of God. (Romans
3:23) The wages of sin is death, and we want to
live. The gift of God is eternal life through
Jesus Christ our Lord. In the words of Moses
(Deuteronomy 30:19) "..•therefore choose life, that
both thou and thy seed (children) may live."
HAVE YOU NEEDS?
Have you needs? Then you are normal,
For all men are needy things.
We need, first of all, the Saviour
Who to us salvation brings.
THE PILGRIM
Have you babies needing parents
Who will love them every day?
Through the Saviour you can help them,
Give them care amd for them pray.
Are there children in the family?
Teach them, train them in the Lord;
Make their choices for them daily.
This is taught you in His Word.
Are some young folk3 to you looking?
They need guidance as they grow;
Give them your example faithful,
They will reap just what they sow.
Married folks, have you been faithful,
Self-denying, kind, and true?
Are you loving with your helper?
Is there more that you can do?
Old age comes and with it blessing
If we sense our needs in Him.
He will comfort, cheer, and help us,
Guide us as the light grows dim.
— L.C.
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED
I Corinthians 2:2: "For I determined not to
know any thing among you save, Jesus Christ, and
him crucified." Our belief cannot be made to sound
reasonable to the natural man, because they are
concerned only with things pertaining to this
natural life. And for Jesus and His followers, to
be willing to sacrifice this life for one unseen
was to them foolishness. Human nature remains the
same. We have to walk by faith and not by sight.
THE PILGRIM
LOVE OF THE TRUTH
It is very important that we love the truth in
these evil times, before the second coming of
Christ. II Thessalonians 2:9: "Even him, whose
coming is after the working of Satan with all power
and signs and lying wonders, And with all
deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that
perish; because they received not the love of the
truth that they might be 3aved." In our time the
nations depend on propaganda (lies) to promote
their selfish interests. So we have to search for
the truth.
POWER
We are living in a world that is ruled by power,
the stronger living off the weaker, the big fish
feeding on weaker ones, the rich men living off the
labors of the poor. But in the Kingdom of Heaven
all this violence and oppression will be removed;
evil will not be there, nor any sickness or pain.
This is beyond our imagination but God will do it.
He can create a new world with the same power He
created this.
YOUNG OR OLD
Luke 20:38: "For he is not a God of the dead,
but of the living: for all live unto him. 11 We who
are growing old, have had loved ones called away of
all ages. So we know the Lord calls whom He will
to inhabit Eternity. Would there be fulness of
joy, if all were 70 years old? Jesus loves the
little children.
— Ernest Wagner
There is a past which is gone forever, but there
is a future which is still our own.
— Selected
THE PILGRIM
??QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS??
What should our answer be when called for jury
duty? And what scriptural reasons do we have for
our answer?
When asked why I felt I could not serve as a
juror, ray reply to the judge was as follows: "I am
a Christian and a member of the Old Brethren
Church. We are subject to, but not dependant upon
the civil power or powers. Our guide for faith and
practice is the law and oracles of God as contained
in the Holy Scriptures. When God's laws are not
heeded, a civil government has to be implemented in
which we feel we have no par t . The law as
contained in the Gospels has no provision for the
Christian to participate in a civil justice
system. Therefore, I do not feel I am able to
serve as a juror." Matthew 5:33-44, I feel, is an
adequate scripture.
--Joseph E.Wagner
We feel we should not serve in jury duty. We
are to follow in Jesus' steps. (I Peter 2:21)
Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world..."
(John 18:36) Paul asks, "For what have I to do to
judge them also that are without? do not ye judge
them that are within? But them that are without
God judgeth..." (I Corinthians 5:12-13) Paul is
saying Christ's servants judge within God's
kingdom. The ones that are in the other kingdom
God will judge. We have no question what kingdom
the courtroom is in.
— Everett Oyler
This question was considered by the Brethren's
Annual Meeting nine times from 1822 to 1875* Jury
duty was permitted in some cases but was always
admonished against and was strictly forbidden in
8 THE PILGRIM
criminal proceedings. The only scriptural reference
in the record is II Corinthians 6:14-18.
While the Bible does not mention jury duty as
such, I believe there are scri^tral principles
which would apply to this subject, and I shall try
to present a few of them.
I believe the New Testament is abundantly clear
that the Christian is first and foremost a citizen
of the Kingdom of Heaven. He is obliged to respect
civil government where this does not conflict with
his Heavenly citizenship. Surely, to be a partner
in the civil courts' decision-making processes
would involve one in this conflict because the
courts' standard of justice (an eye for an eye and
a tooth for a tooth) and the methods used in an
attempt to attain this standard are foreign to the
New Testament.
The courts of the world are worldly institutions
set up to control worldly behavior with worldly
methods. Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this
world." For a Christian to participate in this
system would surely be an "unequal yoke." (II
Corinthians 6:14)
In Luke 12:13 we are told that a man came to
Jesus and said, "Master, speak to my brother, that
he divide the inheritance with me." The response
was, "Man, Who made me a judge or a divider over
you?" Disputes of this nature are the field of the
civil courts. This was not part of the Lord's
commission and He refused to be a partner in it.
In I Corinthians 5:12 the Apostle Paul echoes the
same idea with the words: "For what have I to do
to judge them also that are without?"
Then is chapter six he states that the law
courts are "unjust" (verse l) and "unbelievers"
(verse 6). Would this not be sufficient reason for
a believer to avoid participation? In Ephesians
5 : 11 the same wr i ter says , "And have no fellowship
with the unfruitful works of darkness..."
Revenge, or an attitude of u I have been wronged
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and I intend to get even," is often the motivating
factor when a plaintiff initiates a lawsuit.
Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly, beloved, avenge not
yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for
it is written, Vengeance is mine, I will repay,
saith the Lord. "
In his book Common Sense David Bercot writes
that, to the defense attorney, truth is quite
irrelevant. The point of a trial, he says, is not
truth but rather the point is to obtain a "Not
guilty" verdict from the jury. End of quote. When
truth is disregarded, error, deceit, and darkness
will prevail.
Would anyone expect to find the fruits of the
Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23, demonstrated in
the courtroom?
As I reflect on all this, the words of Saint
Paul again impress themselves upon my mind; "Be ye
not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for
what fellowship hath righteousness with
unrighteousness? and what communion hath light
with darkness?" (II Corinthians 6:14)
This has been a one sided presentation, but I
have been unable to think of any scriptural reason
why a Christian should, or would want to, be
involved in the activities of the courts of the
land.
"Be not ye therefore partakers with them."
— Harold Royer
BAPTISM
Again we, the members of the Eastern Congrega-
tion, rejoiced that souls are still responding to
the call of the Master. Philip Huffman received
Christian baptism upon confession of his faith in
Christ, February 21. May he be true to Jesus and
enjoy the blessing of salvation forever.
— Melvin Coning
10 THE PILGRIM
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 17
Acts 17 recounts the experiences of Paul at
three different places — Thessalonica, Berea, and
Athens. There are lessons we can learn from each
of them.
The apostle Paul was on his second missionary
journey when he arrived at Thessalonica. He and
Silas had just come from Philippi by way of
Amphipolis and Apollonia.
Paul and Silas were in Thessalonica at least
three weeks. Prom verse three we can see that
Paul's basic message was straightforward and
simple. As a result, many believed and received
the gospel. In verse four, "chief women" are
mentioned among those who believed. These could
have been women who had influence or power in
Thessalonica.
After Paul and Silas had been in Thessalonica
for three weeks, the Jews of the synagogue who
didn't believe persuaded some ungodly, unprincipled
men to cause an uproar against Paul and Silas.
Paul and Silas had to leave by night and go to
Berea.
In Berea the Jews of the synagogue received Paul
and Silas more hospitably than in Thessalonica.
Their response to the gospel should be an example
to all of us whenever we hear any kind of new
teaching or doctrine. Verse eleven says that the
Bereans searched the scriptures daily. This is a
good thing to do wherever we are.
From Berea Paul went to Athens. Athens at this
time was considered a great center of learning. It
was here at Athens that Paul made one of his most
brilliant defenses of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Some of the Epicureans and Stoics (Epicurianism and
Stoicism were two philosophies held by many Greeks
at this time.) heard Paul and brought him to the
Areopagus, the highest court in Athens.
It was brought out that the Athenians revered
THE PILGRIM 11
their many gods, and to insult one of them could
very well mean death. It was here that Paul
cleverly used their altar to "The Unknown God" as a
means to present the true God to them. It is
interesting to note that although Paul uses a quote
from Greek poetry he does not quo be scripture once
in his entire discourse with the Athenians.
However, in spite of Paul's effort, not many
believed. Most seemed to regard his sermon as just
another interesting philosophy. This is one of the
great tactics Satan still uses today. We must be
careful never to let the Bible lose its significance
as the only divinely inspired Word of God in our
lives. This can only be accomplished by searching
it daily and living out the principles it contains
in our daily life. —Eddie Wagner
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 18
We studied another chapter of the Acts for
February and this one, like all the rest of the
chapter, is filled with action and a lot of good!
We meet Aquilla and Priscilla for the first time
in this chapter. There was an interesting comment
on how Paul got to know this couple. They were in
Corinth because Claudius, the Roman Emperor, at
that time had banned all Jews from Rome where they
had lived. They were tentmakers just like Paul,
and it seems that that is the reason for Paul's
staying with them. And while he was with them he
taught them of Jesus and they became Christians.
It was pointed out that wherever Paul went he
preached to the Jews first and, as in verse six
when they rejected him and the Lord, he shook the
dust from his raiment and went to the Gentiles.
But even then in the next city he would first
preach to the Jews.
What joy and courage it must have given Paul to
have the Lord Himself speak to him. (V. 9,10) And
as a missionary, it would be glad news tc aeav that
12 THE PILGRIM
the Lord had "much people" in that city. "~
With verse twenty-three Paul starts his third
and last missionary journey. All three of his
major journeys start at Antioch.
This Apollos is an interesting man. He was a
learned Jew and knew much about the scriptures, but
as soon as Aquilla and Priscilla heard him preach,
they realized he didn't know the way of Jesus — only
the baptism of John. Being a teachable man he
learned from them, "the way of God more perfectly."
Apollos continued to preach but in a new way,
"showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ* "
--Peter Cover
BEATITUDES FOR EDERLY PEOPLE
Blessed are they who understand
My faltering steps and palsied hand.
Blessed are they who know that my ears today
Must strain to catch the words they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know
That my eyes are dim and my wits are slow.
Blessed are they who look away
When coffee spills at the table today.
Blessed are they who have a cheery smile
On their face and stop to chat for a little while.
Blessed are they who never say,
"You've told that story twice today."
Blessed are they who by word or deed
Let you know how much they love and respect you.
Blessed are they who know at times how lost
I am, to find the strength to carry the cross.
Blessed are the ones that help, in times of need,
May God richly bless.
Blessed is the Bear Lord,
Who holds the future in His hands.
Blessed are the Dear Ones that are serving in His
Vineyard — He will soon call us home.
—Betty Alltus
Modesto , California
THE PILGRIM 13
OUR SPRINGS ARE ALL IN THEE
As pilgrims and as strangers,
We tread the desert way;
In conscious weakness, leaning
On God, our Strength and Stay.
Though of times long and dreary,
The way may seem to be;
Yet Lord, Thy strength and love is ours,
And we can joy in Thee.
Though everything should fail us,
Still we can count on Thee;
Thou art the ever faithful One —
Our springs are all in Thee.
The wilderness is barren —
A place where drought abides —
But our resources are in Thee;
Our need Thy love supplies.
We know Thou wilt sustain us
Until the journey's o'er;
Then we shall meet with Thee above
And praise Thee evermore.
--Author Unknown
— Selected by Murray Brillinger
COMMUNION MEETING
We, the members of the Eastern District of the
Old Brethren Church, have appointed a Lovefeast and
Communion for April 10 and 11, at the Wakarusa
meeting house. The Lord willing, we are looking
forward to a time of sweet fellowship and feeding
upon His Word. A hearty invitation is extended to
all . — Melvin Coning
14 THE PILGRIM
BEARING FRUIT
The battleground between God and Satan is in the
hearts of men* Therefore the acts of man reveal
how the struggle is going* The scripture is clear
that only by the aid of the Holy Spirit can man
overcome his enemy.
Acts 5:32 tells on what condition the Holy
Spirit enters the human heart. And the results
would be that the fruits would be visible to all
men. (John 17:21)
The longsuffering of Jesus rescued us from the
power of Satan as He cried out in pain and agony.
Physically He suffered long in dying, but in the
spirit He suffered longer, and still suffers when
men reject His forgiveness and salvation.
The longsuffering of Jesus is beyond our ability
to fully comprehend, but we believe it needs to be
addressed in our relationship with Him. (Romans
8:17-18)
We believe there are two dimensions of
suffering. The first is that of crucifying the
inner man and bringing it into subjection to the
will of God, as the apostle Paul declared, "I die
daily."
The second is suffering in behalf of our
fellowman who refuse to commit themselves to
Christ. Also, when relationships break down and we
are rejected as was Jesus, we are to suffer it as
He did.
To suffer long is a refining process that the
flesh needs to bear the image of Christ.
— Kenneth Martin
Jealousy makes us smaller in the hearts of our
friends, weaker is the eyes of our adversaries, and
defenseless in the hands of our enemies.
— Selected
THE PILGRIM 15
FOR YOUTH: EXCUSES, EXCUSES
Why is it thatwhen we don * t want to do
something we make excuses? We don't have time... we
have no talent... it looks dumb. . .others can do it
better than I can... and on and on. The Bible says
to esteem others better than ourselves. Sometimes
we use this verse to our own liking. What if Jesus
didn't have time. . .didn't think He was talented...
thought His works looked dumb. . .thought someone
else could do better? Where would you and I be?
I hope you all read the last Pilgrim about the
little things in the youth section. I don't think
anyone appreciates our youth any more than I do.
When they are together in a group singing, I can
hardly keep from shouting for joy. I know Jesus is
happy when His children can truly sing praises to
Him. It is not just the singing that is so
meaningful; it is the testimony of the lives of
each singer that makes the true joy in our hearts.
We have read so many good articles in the Youth
section. Please keep it up. Young people, this
little space should come from you. When gold is
refined it takes time and lots of heat. Maybe in
this little thing of writing is part of your
refining. The heat may be turned on, but you will
be blessed. It is true that this space could be
filled by some of us grandparents, but it has a
better and bigger effect if you young people write.
Emptying garbage is one job that many of us do
not like to do, but it must be done. If no one
would do it, the whole house would soon be undesir-
able. Likewise, if no one took a little time to
provide for things like The Pilgrim , our spiritual
house would also be undesirable. We all have time
to do what we want. Let's all, young and old, be
better helpers for the cause of Christ.
— Everett Oyler
CHILDREN'S PAGE
COMPASSION: "Investing your time and energy to
look out for the welfare of others."
When you are sick and need help, who is willing
to take care of you? Maybe you are sick all night
but still mother is right there when you call for
her. All good mothers have compassion for their
children. The first time we find the word
compassion in the Bible is when Pharoah's daughter
found baby Moses in the little basket among the
weeds in the water. She took the child and found
someone to take care of him. She had compassion
for the child and took care of his needs.
In one of David's prayers he prayed, "But thou
Lord, art a God full of compassion."
The story of the prodigal son is full of love
and compassion. After the young son had left home
and wasted all his money, he realized his home was
pretty good after all. So he started back home.
His father saw him coming a long way off and ran
and kissed him* Even though the son left home, his
father had compassion on him. Isn't that the way
Jesus is? Sometimes children and we big people do
things that we know we shouldn't. It makes Jesus
sad, but He still gives us all the many things we
need. If it hadn't been for the love of Jesus, we
would all be in a sad mess on this earth. When God
looked down on this sinful earth, he had compassion
on man. Therefore, he sent Jesus, so we could
enjoy life. The Bible says we must have compassion
one of another and love as brethren. If we would
all do this, there would be no need for policemen,
jails, or law books. — Everett Oyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA.
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19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 APRIL, 1993 NO. 4
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." t Peter 2:ti
SEE THE SAVIOUR
See the Saviour in the garden
Agonizing, bowed in prayer.
Not a soul to bear His burden.
Not a heart His grief to share.
Listen to His earnest pleading;
Sweat as drops of blood I see.
Oh I that prayer pr evaded heaven;
And that prayer included me.
See Him hated, scorned, derided,
Thorns upon His sacred head.
Meekly, with a heart of pity,
No reviling word He said.
Hear the mob demanding, shouting,
"Crucify Him," let it be.
Still His heart is filled with mercy,
And that mercy reaches me.
Now the cruel nails have pierced Him
And upon the cross He hangs.
Fiercest pain His body wracking,
But the deepest of His pangs
Is the stroke which justice tenders;
Its demands He satisfies.
Now He gives His life a ransom.
Yes, for me, for me He dies.
— Miriam J. Sauder
from Spiritual Hymns
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $£.00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover*
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
BELIEF IN JESUS 1 RESURRECTION
What does it take to make us believe in Jesus?
Perhaps we are on guard to not believe everything
we are told because there is much in the world that
is not true* But when we experience something, no
one can take it from us or make us doubt it. We
meet new friends and believe what we hear of their
welfare. We can tell others who they are and
where they live. The resurrection of Jesus was not
easy to believe — even by those who were there. Let
us look into the experience of one who saw Him
first.
One of the Bible's most touching scenes is that
of Jesus ' meeting Mary Magdalene at the tomb after
His resurrection. Mary had been with Jesus 1
company as "he went throughout every city and
village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of
the kingdom of God..." Mary was one of those who
ministered to Jesus. Hers was a beautiful character!
But Mary had not always been that way. Mark records
it this way: "...he appeared first to Mary
Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils."
She must have had a dreadful history and a
miraculous deliverance. No wonder we find her at
the tomb of Jesus weeping. We too would weep for
One who had done so much for us.
Mary was no doubt feeling the strain of the last
twenty- four hours. She was likely among the
company of women who followed Jesus as He carried
His cross to Calvary. Helplessly, they "bewailed
and lamented him" for the inhumane, cruel treatment
He had received. He was soon to die on the cross
which He bore on His whip-lacerated shoulders.
Mary was there at the cross when Jesus committed
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the care of His mother to John. She heard His words
of comfort to the repentant thief. She heard Him
cry out, "It is finished I " and commend His spirit
into the hands of the Father. She saw Him die.
Mary had watched as Joseph and Nicodemas
carefully took Jesus 1 body from the cross — pulled
the nails, removed the thorns from His head, and
wrapped His body in a clean linen cloth. She and
"the other Mary" (Jesus 1 mother?) were sitting
"over against the sepulchre" as Joseph laid it in
his own new tomb which he had hewn out in the
rock. She watched as he rolled a great stone to
the door of the sepulchre and departed.
Mary was with the other women who came early in
the morning of the first day of the week "while it
was yet dark" to anoint the body of Jesus with
sweet spices which they had bought. They arrived
at the tomb "at the rising of the sun" and wondered
who would roll away that heavy stone at the door of
the sepulchre. They found the stone rolled away
and two angels announcing to them that Jesus had
risen. "Why seek ye the living among the dead? He
is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake
unto you when he was yet in Galilee, Saying, The
Son of man must be delivered into the hands of
sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day
rise again." Mark's account says, "And they went
out quickly, and fled from the sepulchre; for they
trembled and were amazed; neither said they any
thing to any man; for they were afraid."
Evidently Mary ran to tell Peter. Peter and
John hurried to the empty tomb where John was
convinced of the resurrection from the evidence
Jesus had left behind . Lazarus had come forth from
the grave "bound hand and foot with graveclothes."
But Jesus had left the linen clothes and the napkin,
and John "saw and believed." Peter and John left
for home — perhaps not knowing what else to do.
Mary stayed there, and we find her weeping* No
doubt the day was glorious with the spring beauty
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of grass and flowers. But her heart was broken as
the One she loved so much was gone , and now even
His body was missing. It was hard to believe what
they had just heard — that Jesus had risen.
John records that Mary looked into the sepulchre
and saw two angels, one at the head and one at the
feet where the body of Jesus had lain. They asked
her why she was weeping. She answered, "Because
they have taken away ray Lord, and I know not where
they have laid him."
Then she saw Jesus, but He must have been so
changedlorthrough her tears) she could not recognize
Him. "She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith
unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell
me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him
away." What love shines out! Jesus simply called
her name: "Mary." "Sl^ turned herself, and saith
unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master." No
doubt she would have "held him by the feet and
worshipped him" as the women did who met Him
later. But He said, "Touch me not; for I am not
yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren,
and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and
your Father; and to my God, and your God."
We leave this touching scene and turn to our own
experience. Is it hard for us to believe? My
parents believed, and that helps me. But we too
must believe for ourselves. We were not there. We
did not see. But Jesus told Thomas, "Blessed are
they that have not seen, and yet have believed."
When we see by faith the suffering Savior on the
cross and experience forgiveness of our sins, then
we can tell others who He is and that He is coming
again. This testimony may not be believed. It is
this unbelief that hinders the spread of the
Gospel. Unbelievers should be ashamed while
believers mourn that millions have not heard. Ours
is to be faithful, to believe the record, and to
tell what He has done for us and what He will do
for all who believe. — L.C.
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LOOK, YE SAINTS! THE SIGHT IS GLORIOUS!
What a positive exclamation! Joy floods our
souls I Victory is without question! And the world
fades away.
Look out your window, point heavenward, and
shout, "Look, ye saints! The sight is glorious !"
See the reaction of others with you. Can't you
almost actually see Jesus? Can't you see the
bright light? Can't you "see the Man of Sorrows
now"? I hope you can, because we must have
glorious sight, and saints are the only people who
have this sight.
The title is perhaps a little misleading,
because I want to write about confession; but
hopefully you will see how they correspond. The
confession we're studying means to reveal.
Actually, I would define it as "to purge out an
uncleanness from one ' s soul . " This could be many
things. We purge our soul from its uncleanness
when we come to Christ at our conversion from our
basic sinfulness. We purge when we pray, when we
confess to another person or spouse, when we
confess to other people whom we have sinned
against, and when we confess to an assembly we have
sinned against.
When do we confess? Whenever we have sinned.
Whom we confess to depends on whom we have sinned
against. It may be one person or it may be a whole
assembly, or it may be both. (See I Kings 8:33-36;
Psalms 32:5; Nehemiah 9:1-3; Daniel 9:20; Acts
19:18; James 5:16; I Timothy 5:20.)
"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper:
but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have
mercy." (Proverbs 28:13) Notice that confession is
not enough; it takes forsaking sin. Also if we
cover up, or hide our sin, or pretend it never
happened, we are held back from the fullness of
Christ. John writes "...that your joy may be
6 THE PILGRIM
full." Cl John 1:4) That is our aim, our vision:
remember, THE SIGHT IS GLORIOUS I We don't want to
miss it!
To have this sight we must be in the light, as
He is in the light. Darkness has nothing to do
with light. I like the way Darby describes it:
"Remembering that in Him is no darkness at all,
hence transparency is what will characterize the
glory; and transparency is what must characterize
the Christian in his pathway here as a saint, and
transparency is what must characterize every
company that is 'gathered together, 1 if the Lord's
presence, (He who is light) is, with joy, to be
realized as 'in the midst.' 1 Now let's get the
full meaning of transparent: "having the property
of transmitting rays of light through its substance
so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be
distinctly seen."
Translucence describes many Christians: light
passes through, but it is diffused so that objects
beyond or behind are not seen distinctly.
I think we can see why we need to purge our
souls, but let's go further. As we look through I
John 1, notice a few things. One is "Word of life"
which we have so readily available to us there is
really no good excuse for not knowing it well.
Christ came that we might have life; and not just
ordinary life, but "abundant life," (John 10:10)
"eternal life." (I John 1:2)
Another is "fellowship" in verse 3- Light and
darkness have no fellowship, (v. 6-7) Translucency
has no real fellowship; it is a strained one.
Transparency is the only real fellowship we can
have, for we are "transmitters of the light"; there
is nothing to slow the light and dim it.
Another is "that your joy may be full" in verse
4. This goes along with fellowship: if our
fellowship is full, then our joy is full. Joy is
the reason we follow Jesus. The world offers no
lasting joy, only temporary "joys" here and there
THE PILGRIM
with mostly heartache and emptiness. But in Christ
our joy is so full we can shout, "Look, ye saints!
The sight is glorious!" And we can sing
"Hallelujah, what a Saviour!"
Lastly, we come to "truth" in verse 8. We want
truth. We want the truth of God, but God wants the
truth of us as well. So John says, "If we confess
our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
(v. 9) Very simple. Very straightforward.
How do we go about this? John says that we have
an advocate with the Father. (I John 2:1) An
advocate is "one called alongside," "to plead in
favor of; support or urge by argument; recommend
publicly." This is what Christ does for us. We
don't do it on our own human strength; Christ is
there beside us, supporting us.
Christ is our "propitiation." (I John 2:2) He
is "what appeases," He makes us "favorably
inclined" to Him, and He is our "conciliate."
Dietrich Bonhoeffer in his book The Cost of
Discipleship declares: "Confession is the God-
given remedy for self-deception and self-indulgence.
When we confess our sins before a brother-Christian,
we are mortifying the pride of the flesh and
delivering it up to shame and death through
Christ. Then through the word of absolution we
rise as new men, utterly dependent on the mercy of
God. Confession is thus a genuine part of the life
of the saints, and one of the gifts of grace. But
if it is wrongly used, punishment is bound to
ensue. In confession, the Christian is conformed
to the death of Christ. 'When I admonish men to
come to confession, I am simply urging them to be
Christians. 1 (Luther, Great Catechism)" 2
Read how Achan confesses to Joshua (7:19,20);
David to Nathan (II Samuel 12:13); the prodigal son
(Luke 15:18); the penitent thief on the cross
beside Jesus. (Luke 23:39-43)
What about forgiveness? Are we limiting our
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forgiveness? Are we being legalistic? Christ says
that we should forgive from our hearts everyone who
sins against us . (Matthew 18 : 35 ) There is a
condition though. "If we confess our sins, he is
faithful and just to forgive us our sins..." (I
John 1:9) In Psalms: "For thou, Lord, art good,
and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto
all them that call upon thee ." (86:5) The
condition is confess ; the reward is forgiveness.
The other condition is forsake sin ; the reward is
forgiveness, joy fulness, and eternal life.
We should hastily add that we always need to
have the spirit of forgiveness, as Christ did on
the cross: Father, forgive them; for they know
not what they do." (Luke 23:34) We instantly
forgive in our heart; we verbally forgive when
confession is made.
"If a man therefore purge himself from these, he
shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified, and meet
for the master ' s use, and prepared unto every good
work." (II Timothy 2:21) Isn't this what we want?
Doesn't this present a "glorious sight"? Let's let
Christ get hold of us and let Him have His own
way. Let Him mold us to His image. Let us be
fully alive in Him.
In conclusion, we know what we want; we want
that "sight that is glorious"; we want our joy to
be full; we want abundant, eternal life; we want
Truth; and we want to be transparent — transmitting
the light to those behind us, those beyond us,
those beside us. Wherever you stand, don't just
stand there, do something I Climb up to a higher
plain, closer to our God, further away from the
world (the spirit of this age.)
Legalism should have no place in the Church of
Christ as it only produces external Christians.
Confession, as well as forgiveness, must come from
the heart without being forced by others; it must
be spontaneous.
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So, let's "mortify the pride of the flesh" and
"confess (our) faults one to another, and pray one
for another, that (we) may be healed." (James
5:16) For we are all on the same level ("There is
no difference." Romans 3:22) "For all have sinned,
and come short of the glory of God; Being justified
freely by His grace through the redemption that is
in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a
propitiation through faith in his blood..." (Romans
3:23-25) We are all "prone to wander." This is
part of the perfecting process, the "perfecting of
the saints." (Ephesians 4:12)
Our prayer is that we may be able to comprehend
with all saints how wide, how long, how deep, and
how tall; knowing the love of God which is beyond
knowledge, which fills us with all the fullness of
Christ. (Ephesians 3:18,19)
I M
Yes, we can surely shout, "Look ye saints I
Look to Christ, "the sight is glorious!" Victory
can be ours through "Christ who strengthens us."
— Ron Cable
Goshen, Indiana
J.N. Darby, quoted by Napoleon Noel, The History
of the Brethren , "The Beginning of the Brethren,
Chapter 1. Edited by William S. Knapp, printed in
U.S.A.
2 Dietrich Bonhoefer, The Cost of Discipleship ,
Macmillan Publishing Co., Collier Books, New York.
Revised edition, page 325.
I am becoming more convinced that the great
majority of humanity's social ills are traceable to
faulty homes. Unless the present trend is reversed,
which I do not expect, we can only anticipate
disaster. Furthermore, unless the church takes a
positive, biblical position on the home, it will
surely be swallowed up in the calamity.
— Harold Royer (in a letter)
10 THE PILGRIM
GENTLENESS
"But the fruit of the Spirit is..., gentle-
ness. .. "Galatians 5:22. To he gentle is to be
generous and kind—not violent, harsh or rough.
I'm sure there have always been many examples of
gentleness around us all our lives, but we were
especially made aware of it in a special way nearly
21 years ago. It was at a time of our Love Feast
when one of our families from the West was here.
The father had labors over the meeting, and the
mother was no doubt very tired from their traveling
with several children. It impressed us so much to
see such gentleness shown toward their younger
children by their older children as they helped so
nicely to care for tfyem over the meeting. Now,
nearly 21 years later, I still see this gentleness
so evident toward the little children and babies.
It seems so much more gentle for the younger
children to sit while supervised while holding
babies. Now I see the next generation gentle with
babies and small children. Never be ashamed of
this, boys and young men, as this shows strength of
character. Someone has been diligent in example
and in teaching this fruit of the Spirit.
Another way I see this gentleness is when older
children take their small brother or sister by the
hand and carefully and gently lead them to our dear
aged sister for the mints she passes out to all who
feel free to come to her after services each
Sunday. Some of us sisters sit just behind her so
we get to see these children and hear the quiet
" thank -yous." Some of those very small children
hold their small cupped hands out so patiently
waiting until our sister sees them and gently holds
their cupped hands while placing a few mints into
them. It warms our hearts.
Then we observe children in their homes where
there is evidence of patient teaching and example
THE PILGRIM 11
in gentleness * There are those being taught by
word and example not to "grab" toys from their
little friends . Even more special is to see
gentleness toward each other as brother and sister
that they need to learn to get along with day in
and day out. We see teaching of respect and
gentleness with toys and books. We are living in a
land of plenty, and I'm sure it is hard for
children to realize how blessed they are with so
many toys and books. This is where the parents can
receive a blessing by continuing to teach them to
be careful with what they have as being good
stewards, even though a toy or book can be
purchased very cheaply at our nice garage sales, at
least here in the East. We always considered books
as friends helping us to learn valuable lessons by
reading good, moral, upbuilding stories about
people, places, and things. We like to think of
books up on a shelf not to be walked on or thrown
around when not in use. Likewise, furniture is to
be used for the purpose intended and not to be
climbed on. (Hills and trees are for that.) When
it is time to eat, we think of sitting at the table
or in a high chair. As our voices should be
gentle, not loud or boisterous, so should our homes
be orderly. We are thankful for humble homes. A
child that feels sorry and confesses he has torn a
page out of a book or broken something has been or
is being taught something valuable.
We like to think of these children as the future
church, laboring brethren and sisters, and future
fathers and mothers. In Titus 3:2 Paul writes "To
speak evil of no man, to be no brawler, but gentle,
shewing all meekness to all men."
May God be your constant guide as you gently
lead these precious souls to Him and for His
service is our prayer for all of you.
— Betty Beery
Nappanee , Indiana
12 THE PILGRIM
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
LIGHT OR DARK
The record we have of creation starts when God
said, "Let there be light." We read the true Light
lights every man that comes into the world. Every-
one that loves the truth comes to this Light , but
every one that loves evil hates this Light, and if
he persists in this course, God gives him over to
have a reprobate mind and lets him follow his choice.
EXAMPLES FOR US
II Timothy 3:16,17; "All scripture is given by
inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in
righteousness, That the man of God may be perfect,
throughly furnished unto all good works." So we
understand the Bible is a record of the lives of
men for a pattern for us. David freely expressed
his feelings in psalms. He experienced about all
the things we do: joy, sorrow, guilt, repentance,
leaving us an example to follow. There are many
others also.
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLING
Galatians 3:24: "Wherefore the law was our
schoolmaster to- bring us unto Christ that we might
be justified by faith." So we see how important it
is that we study the Bible and be willing to let
the Spirit lead us into all truth. We may, in
casual reading, think we find contradictions, but
it is only a lack of understanding on our part.
The Lord leads through many changes in life to help
us understand His Word. The Lord has gathered all
the information in the Bible for us to study, and
with the Spirit to guide us, we can understand all
we need to know.
THE PILGRIM 13
HEALING POWER
Psalm 103:3: "Who forgive th all thine
iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases." ' Thus
David speaks of the blood that God created in our
bodies to give healing to every part as needed . We
see many times how the blood shields and rebuilds
small cuts and bruises. No doubt it works
internally as well as on the surface. What a
marvelous thing I We read of a plague in the world
today, when this healing power is withheld, and
doctors are helpless.
THE BREATH OF LIFE
We read that in the creation, God breathed into
man's nostrils the breath of life, and man became a
living soul. This earth is a very special place,
with a life-sustaining blanket of air covering it.
Men, in exploring the heavens, have found no other
bodies with similar life-sustaining conditions.
God made some changes at the time of the flood, in
the way to water the earth. But our dependence on
the life-giving air was not changed.
— Ernest Wagner
BAPTISMS
Again we, the members of the Eastern Congrega-
tion, rejoiced that souls are still responding to
the call of the Master. Suzanne Flora and Rhoda
Coning received Christian baptism upon confession
of their faith in Christ, March 14* May they be
true to Jesus and enjoy the blessing of salvation
forever.
— Melvin Coning
BIRTH
COVER — A son, Ryan Michael, born March 20, to
Peter and Denita Cover of Tuolumne, California.
14 THE PILGRIM
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 19
"So mighily grew the Word of God and prevailed.
The nineteenth chapter of Acts is a great testimony
to how the Word of God and the Holy Spirit can work
in men's lives. The setting was Ephesus, a large
city of around 200,000 people.
Ephesus was a center of worship to the goddess
Diana. The central attraction in Ephesus was a
great temple built in her honor. It had taken over
200 years to build and was a magnificent
structure. Ephesus was also a great center of
idolatry and sorcery. In fact, one of the city's
main businesses was that of making and selling
silver shrines for the goddess of Diana.
It was in this city that the Apostle Paul came
on his third missionary journey. Here he found
only about a dozen believers who had heard nothing
more about the gospel than the baptism of John. They
gladly received the gospel f and the Holy Ghost fell
upon all of them. Paul stayed in Ephesus for over
two years, preaching and teaching the Word o£ God.
His efforts were not in vain. The gospel of Jesus
Christ had such an impact that many of the citizens
of Ephesus believed, and burned their books of
curious arts that were probably related to sorcery
or witchcraft. This greatly distressed some of the
silversmiths who made their living by making idols.
These men then started a riot against Paul and
the Christians. Soon the whole city was in an up-
roar. The account says that most of the people
didn't know what the uproar was about. They filled
the main theatre in Ephesus and shouted "Great is
Diana of the EphesiansJ" for about two hours.
This is a good example of a group of people that
were not controlled by the Holy Spirit. They were
easily swayed into whatever the crowd around them
was doing. We as Christians need to be certain to
yield ourselves wholly to God and put His Word into
practice in our lives. Then we can grow in the
Word of God and prevail over sin in our own lives.
— Eddie Wagner
THE PILGRIM 15
YOUTH PAGE: LESSONS WORTH LEARNING
Learn to live a good life; it is better than medicine.
Learn to know God; you will learn to know yourself.
Learn to make few promises.
Learn to always speak the truth.
Learn to tolerantly understand your friend 1 3 faults.
Learn to say things you won't regret you've said.
Learn to let things lay that are not yours.
Learn to value your time.
Learn to keep good company or none.
Learn to un-learn what you have learned amiss.
Learn to know the teachings of Jesus.
Learn to be honest, if you want to be happy.
Learn to glory in the cross of Christ.
Learn to make a resolution and keep it.
Learn to look one in the eye when speaking to him.
Learn to tend strictly to your business.
Learn to say: "It was my fault."
Learn to keep your ills and sorrows to yourself.
Learn to greet your burdened friends with a smile.
Learn to keep your own secrets if you have any.
Learn to tell a story well — it cheers the sick.
Learn to labor and to wait.
Learn to be brief and plain when you speak.
Learn the virtue of patience.
Learn the art of doing kind and encouraging things.
Learn the obligation of duty.
Learn the powers of kindness.
Learn the wisdom of economy.
Learn the need of perseverance.
Learn the nobility of labor.
Learn the pleasure of serving.
Learn the dignity of simplicity.
Learn that good character is above everything else.
Learn never to speak evil of anyone.
Learn not to spend money for things you don't need.
Learn to fall into Jesus' everlasting arms and rest,
—from THREE HUNDRED STORIES
by Abe J. Unruh
CHILDREN'S PAGE: DANCING WITH THE CANNIBALS
When men haven't heard of Jesus and live
wickedly, they will do anything. There used to be
wild men called cannibals. They would eat other
humans. John G. Pa ton was a missionary that went
to the South Sea Islands. He went to tell these
"wild men" about the meek and mild Jesus. John and
his wife had a little boy that loved these wild men.
He did not know what it was to be afraid of them.
One of the cannibals thought the dear little boy
was a wonderful child and loved him dearly. These
bad men could not be trusted. One day they
surrounded the missionary's house intending to kill
him. They circled the house waiting to capture
him. Some way the little boy slipped out of the
house and was dancing with joy around the
cannibals. The parents were so frightened that
they couldn't speak. How surprised they were to
see their little boy throw his arms around one
savage after another, kissing each one
affectionately. At last the child leaned on the
chief's knee, and in his pretty way scolded, him and
his men for being "naughty, naughty." The frowning
faces changed into smiling ones. One by one the
wild men left. Their council of death was broken
up. The love of this little one changed their
minds.
As you grow up, always be as this little boy,
and have love for everyone. Keep the love of Jesus
in your hearts, and there will be no room for fear.
— Adapted from Paths of Uprightness
— Everett Oyler
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19201 Cherokee Rd.
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THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 MAY, 1993 No. 5
''Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." / Peterzn
LIVING FIRE
for that flame of living fire,
Which shone so bright in saints of old;
Which bade their souls to heaven aspire —
Calm in distress, in danger bold.
Where is that Spirit, Lord, which dwelt
In Abraham's breast, and sealed him Thine?
Which made Paul's heart with sorrow melt,
And glow with energy divine?
That Spirit, which from age to age
Proclaimed Thy love, and taught Thy ways?
Brightened Isaiah's vivid page
And breathed in David's hallowed lays?
Is not Thy grace as mighty now
As when Elijah felt its power:
When glory beamed from Moses* brow;
Or Job endured the trying hour?
Remember, Lord, the ancient days;
Renew Thy work; Thy grace restore;
And while to Thee our hearts we raise,
On us Thy Holy Spirit pour.
— Author Unknown
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $&$0 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
HOLY SPIRIT POWER IN OUR TIME
Organizations of the world have their structure
of administration. Governments usually, either by-
choice of the people or by assumption of power,
have one man at the top. In most governments of
the past, this ruler had absolute power. Now many
of the leaders have powers defined and limited by a
constitution. However, the Church of Jesus Christ
has a different structure. God Himself is the
absolute ruler with His Son Jesus Christ. His
power is administered in the world by His Holy
Spirit.
One of the worst faults of the Children of
Israel in Old Testament times was their rejection
of the rule of God and their clamoring for a king
like the surrounding nations had. Though God
granted their request, it was obviously not His
will , and the prophets foretold a time when God * s
kingdom would again be administered by God Himself.
Review in your mind or reread the first six
chapters of The Acts. Here the Lord is fulfilling
His promise of Matthew 16 when He told His
disciples, "...Upon this rock I will build my
church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail
against it." He has continued to build His church
down through the ages. And though He has used many
individuals mightily, both on record and behind the
scenes, still it is His church and His work. We
need to remember this when we meet in council and
when we are puzzled about methods and leadership.
God uses men and gives them gifts to carry out His
will, but there is no king, governor, or supreme
ruler but Jesus Christ and the Father administering
the church by power of the Holy Spirit on earth.
Hebrews 13 speaks of those men who "rule over you"
but in the same verse it says they "must give
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account- ' All rule or authority of men is delegated
from God and carries great responsibility.
With this in mind, let us consider some of the
things we know about this Holy Spirit of God who
descended upon Jesus "in the bodily shape of a
dove" and upon the church on Pentecost attended by
wind, cloven tongues of fire, amd miraculous
speaking in other tongues. Jesus had told His
followers of this Comforter who would come and what
He would do . ( John 16 : 7-15 ) In brief, He would
reprove (or convince) the world of sin, and of
righteousness, and of judgement; He would guide
them into all truth; He would hear and speak, but
not of Himself; He would show things to come; He
would glorify Jesus.
Again considering the first chapters of The
Acts, we have to notice the staggering job of
administration if it had been only by men. On the
day of Pentecost there were 3000 added to the small
120 of the original group. Daily there were more
added to the church. Acts 4:4 gives the number of
believers at 5000 men. Acts 5:14 tells of "more
added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and
women." Acts 6:7 says, "And the word of God
increased; and the number of disciples multiplied
in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the
priests were obedient to the faith."
This increase in numbers in the first few months
is unequalled in records to my knowledge. We could
certainly conclude that if this happened in our
day, it would be attended by problems and questions
and also contentions and diversity of opinions —
unless, of course, the same conditions could
somehow exist.
The Holy Spirit is not limited in power, and God
is still absolute Ruler. Jesus Christ is still
Lord of His church. The part that seems so
different in our day is the people.
For one thing, these people were united
unselfishly. We read of that first group (Acts
4:32), "And the multitude of them that believed
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were of one heart and of one soul : neither said
any of them that ought of the things which he
possessed was his own; but they had all things
common/ 1 To be honest we must admit that this
would be difficult in our time without some changes
in our thinking* I believe we are united to help
one another, but may we improve and grow in these
areas.
Another outstanding feature of the early church
was their fearlessness in the face of persecution.
They heard the threatening of the rulers and prayed
for boldness to speak the Word and for God's
attending healing and signs and wonders in the name
of Jesus. God answered by shaking the building and
filling them with the Holy Spirit. (Surely being
"filled with the Holy Spirit" is the answer to the
needs of our time as well as theirs.) They
continued to preach the Word, incurred the wrath
and persecution of the rulers, and rejoiced "that
they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his
name . "
The third characteristic, and not the least
vital one, is their obedience. They proclaimed
before the rulers, "We ought to obey God rather
than men," (Acts 5:29) Then in verse 32 they
continued, "And we are his witnesses of these
things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God
hath given to them that obey him."
The story is told of a young child who was
playing in an unfamiliar place near a busy street.
His ball rolled into the path of a car, and he ran
to retrieve it. The adults, too far away to help,
watched in horror. His mother shouted, "Teddy
stop!" He stopped instantly; he had been taught to
obey. It saved his life.
In another story, the parents gave a young boy a
pocket watch because he had been so obedient and
helpful. When it was revealed later that the child
really had been disobedient when his parents were
not watching, they took away the watch. It was a
bitter lesson for the boy who prized the watch so
i ■■ ?hlT. Our obedience needs • r be instant and
THE PILGRIM
wholehearted. We need to know and obey Hia Word
and be willingly led by His Spirit. Again, we have
been taught these things, and may we grow in them.
There are many other outstanding qualities of
the early church. But we need to remember that God
is the same today. His church on earth, divided
into denominations as we are, still has the same
power of the Holy Spirit available. His people
have the same opportunity to be obedient, fearless,
and selflessly united. We can be filled with His
Spirit and truly be His people, and He will be our
God. — L.C.
More on our jury duty question from February;
REASONS FOR NOT SERVING ON JURY DUTY
We believe in the separation of Church and
State. With the coming of the New Testament era at
the time of Christ, God made a change on the
administration of human affairs. The Old Testament
codes and laws of government were changed by the
teachings and life of Jesus and the institution of
the Christian Church. In this New Testament
era — our day--we now are not to be involved in
civil government but have a very important work to
do within the framework of our citizenship in
whatever country we are living. That work is to
follow the example of Jesus Christ and His apostles
as recorded in the New Testament. The work of
Jesus was, simply stated: "Going about doing good,"
— saving men and women by preaching the Gospel and
by living a holy, separated life.
The true Church is following Jesus and His New
Testament. Jesus said, "The Son of Man is come to
seek and to save that which is lost." He gave His
life to redeem mankind, and now those redeemed ones
(the Church) are called "ambassadors for Christ."
The Church has a message of salvation, not a
message of condemnation or civil justice.
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The State on the other hand is ordained of God
to execute wrath upon them that do evil. The State
is a minister of God and is a terror to the evil.
Justice and punishment are right and good in the
hands of good officials. The State cannot operate
by the principles of the New Testament love, and
neither can the Church operate by committing offend-
ers to prisons or putting to death those who deserve
it. The State can and should mete out punishments
but the Church is not called to this work.
We, as Christians, are forbidden to go to law
with another and neither do we judge them that are
outside the Church. See I Cor. 6 and 5:12. We can
not take part in condemning a person. Jesus said,
"Judge not..." "My kingdom is not of this world."
Christians are also forbidden to swear, therefore
we would find ourselves in an awkward and impossible
situation if we were to respond to the call to jury
duty. We could not take the oath. This alone
would disqualify us. As followers of Jesus, we
always tell the truth. For an honest person,
swearing by God to witness the truth is , absurd.
The truth and a jealousy for the truth and honesty
are in the heart of the Christian.
Jesus , by a good example , refused to become
involved in settling a dispute over an inheritance
shared by brothers. Luke 12:13-14. If He didn't
become involved as a lawyer, or judge, or juror,
why should we?
It is also note worthy that no where in the New
Testament are there instructions on how to serve in
political office, in lawsuits, in trials, etc.
etc. We have instructions clearly outlined what to
do when sin enters the Church but nothing o*n how to
deal, in civil court, with a traffic violater, a
political scandal, a drug addict, a drunkard, a
thief, an extortioner, a prostitute, or a murderer.
We are commanded in the New Testament to obey
the laws of the land, to pay our taxes, to pray for
our rulers. We are to "have a good report of them
THE PILGRIM 7
that are without. " We are to "honor the king . "
This would include all those who serve in civil
offices.
As Christians, we do not expect every one to
understand our beliefs in this matter. We do
appreciate living in a free land where Christians
are able to follow their consciences. America was
established upon the principle of separation of
Church and State. We do appreciate when the lines
of separation are kept in sharp focus. When these
lines become hazy and blurred, then the pure Church
is stained, and she suffers; and the strong country
becomes weak before her enemies, decaying, rotting
from within. A good example of this in modern life
is when so called "Christian" politicians and
judges preach and exercise their doctrines of love
to obvious offenders and dangerous citizens I
God's plan for a pure Church cannot be improved
upon. She is a haven for the righteous, a "light
to the world" and a "salt to the earth." God's
plan for the governments cannot be improved upon.
They will prosper under the blessing of God as they
remain in their sphere and do their work well. The
strong moral fiber will restrain and contain evil.
When we (the Church) get out of our place and
sphere, trying to help operate the affairs of the
State, the government suffers and so do we I When
State officials get out of their places and sphere,
trying to operate the Church, we suffer and so do
theyi — A statement to the District Court seeking
exemption from jury duty.
— Aden Gingerich
Farmington, New Mexico
KEEP THE GATE SHUT
An English farmer was one day at work in his
fields, when he saw a party of huntsman riding
about his farm. He had one field that he was
specially anxious they should not ride over, as the
crop was in a condition to be badly injured by the
8 THE PILGRIM
tramp of horses. So he dispatched one of his boys
to this field, telling him to shut the gate, and
then keep watch over it, and on no account, to
suffer it to be opened. The boy went as he was
bidden, but was scarcely at his post before the
huntsmen came up, peremptorily ordering the gate to
be opened. This the boy declined to do, stating
the orders he had received, and his determination
not to disobey them. Threats and bribes were
offered, alike in vain. One after another came
forward as spokesman, but all with the same result;
the boy remained immovable in his determination not
to open the gate. After a while, one of noble
presence advanced, and said in commanding tones,
"My boy, do you know me? I am the Duke of
Wellington, one not accustomed to being disobeyed;
and I command you to open that gate, that I and my
friends may pass through." The boy lifted his cap
and stood uncovered before the man whom all England
delighted to honor, then answered firmly, "I am
sure the Duke of Wellington would not wish me to
disobey orders. I must keep this gate shut, nor
suffer any one to pass but with my master's express
permission. •'
Greatly pleased, the sturdy old warrior lifted
his own hat, and said, "I honor the man or boy who
can be neither bribed or frightened into doing
wrong. With an army of such soldiers I could
conquer not only the French but the world." And
handing the boy a glittering sovereign, the old
duke put spurs to his horse and galloped away while
the boy ran off to his work shouting at the top of
his vioce, "Hurrah, hurrah! I've done what
Napoleon couldn't do — I've kept out the Duke of
Wellington."
Every boy is a gate-keeper, and his Master's
command is, "Be thou faithful unto death." Are you
tempted to drink, to smoke, or chew tobacco? Keep
the gate of your mouth fast closed, and allow no
evil company to enter. When evil companions would
counsel you to break the Sabbath, to lie, to deal
THE PILGRIM 9
falsely, or disobey your parents, keep the gate of
your ears shut against such enticements, and when
the bold blasphemer would instil doubts of the
great truths of Revelation, then keep the door of
your heart locked and barred against his infamous
suggestions, remembering that it is only the fool
"who hath said in his heart, there is no God."
— Submitted by David Skiles
From the WEEKLY PILGRIM, March 29, 1872
ONE MOTHER'S PRAYER
Her prayer for a child
Who has fallen away
Is heard by the Father
And answered today.
His mother moves to touch
A heart scarred by sin
To bring back the mem'ry
Of mother again.
And slowly this heart,
Though hardened by wrong,
Remembers a mother
Whose love is still strong.
With the love of a mother
One more mem'ry comes
That of a Savior
Whose unending love
Drove Him to Calvary
To die for our sin
That we through His mercy
Might be righteous again.
A sinner repents,
A child is restored,
The prayer of a mother
Has been heard by the Lord.
10 THE PILGRIM
Great buildings will crumble
And kingdoms will fall,
But the prayer of a mother
Will last through it all.
For no feat of man
Can ever compare
To the change that is wrought
By one mother's prayer.
— Eddie Wagner
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
CHASTISEMENT
Hebrews 12:15: "...My son, despise not thou the
chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art
rebuked of him: For whom the Lord loveth He
chasteneth, and scourge th every son whom he
receive th." So we need to accept any position the
Lord places us in, and be willing to learn lessons
He wants to teach us. "For He will not lay upon
man more than right that he should enter into
judgement with God."
CHRISTIAN DUTY
I Timothy 2:1: "I exhort therefore, that, first
of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and
giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings
and for all that are in authority; that we may lead
a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and
honesty." We are living in a very ungodly time
when those seeking government positions do not dare
to mention any dependence on God, for fear of
offending the majority of voters who seek to forget
God and think any good comes from their own
personal ability.
THE PILGRIM 11
WORSHIP
Genesis 2:7: "And the Lord God formed man of
the dust of the ground, and breathed into his
nostrils the breath of life; and man became a
living soul." I suppose every man feels this
presence within, and feels the need to worship
something greater than self. If they reject God,
they make idols of wood, stone, precious metals,
beasts, fowls, great men, or whatever they praise
most highly, or even themselves.
OUR FAITH
Matthew 21:22: "And all things, whatsoever ye
shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive,"
So we have to confess how weak our faith is, and
ask for more faith. We cannot excuse ourselves by
saying Jesus meant something different than He said
about moving mountains or trees. The Apostles
lacked faith to believe when Jesus told them of His
death and resurrection. We surely need more faith.
CORRECTION-HOPE
As long as a person, nation, or people will
receive correction, there is hope. The Lord has no
pleasure in the punishment of the wicked, but only
that they should repent and return unto Him. In
Amos 4, we find a list of things the Lord used to
cause the Jews to return to Him. So I believe we
can expect the same in our time.
LESSONS OF LIFE
Galatians 3:24: "Wherefore, the law was our
schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might
be justified by faith. So we see our living here
is to learn to have faith and obedience in Christ
Jesus. — Ernest Wagner
12 THE PILGRIM
THE WITNESS OF GOD
The martyrs torn on rack and wheel
The pain and suffering seldom did feel.
For more than once was testified
"The Lord was always by my side."
"Never once did He let me down;
It is through Him I bear the frowns,
The beatings, the threatenings, and torturings too;
And always Christ has seen me through."
In all these trials steadfast they stood,
Ne'er shirking truth, and right, and good;
For watch within his heart did hold
A vision of home in God's own fold.
And how can we do any less
Than maintain the truth our Lord to bless,
For while we're not with tortures wracked,
The witness of God is being attacked.
For Satan will never abandon the fight
In attacking God's children, and smearing what's
right ,
For while there is a breath left in him,
He'll do his best our souls to condemn.
So Qui Right on, put our hands to the work;
Let us banish the darkness where Satan does lurk.
Illumined with love, God's standard to raise;
Give our hearts as an offering, and lift our voices
in praise.
— Benjamin A. Cover
Happiness adds and multiplies as we divide it
with others.
—The Christian School Builder
THE PILGRIM 13
BEARING FRUIT
When all the virtues of the Spirit accompany
each other, the fruit of the Spirit is most
effective. It would he difficult for one fruit to
be very effective without the others. Love is such
a basic fruit , but without the other fruits it
couldn't be defined.
Different fruits of the Spirit have their
special time and place to be exercised in. May we
be knowledgeable as to how and when to use them.
Gentleness is a jewel, and has quenched many
fires before they got out of control.
Gentleness is a language understood by all
people. It is an attribute of God.
Gentleness is repulsive to the enemy of God. He
would define gentleness as cowardice, weakness,
shirking one's duty. Gentleness is a defense that
helps us stay out of our enemy's camp.
Gentleness defined by truth is strength that
overpowers the natural impulses of the flesh, and
can only be given by the Holy Spirit. Psalm
18:35: "Thou hast also given me the shield of thy
salvation, and thy right hand hath holden me up,
and thy gentleness hath made me great."
— Kenneth Martin
ANNUAL MEETING NOTICE
The Annual Meeting of the Old Brethren Church
will be held, the Lord willing, on May 28, 29, and
30 at the Salida, California, meeting house. Friday
will be council day; on Saturday and Sunday
(Pentecost), there will be public preaching; and on
Saturday evening, the Communion service. A hearty
invitation and welcome is extended to all our
members and friends to attend.
--Joseph L. Cover
FOR YOUTH: PEACE
What is peace? The dictionary says peace is an
undisturbed state of mind; an absence of mental
conflict; serenity. Who does not long for peace?
The peace I am thinking of is described in
Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which
passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts
and minds through Christ Jesus." The struggle for
peace is not always easy, but once the victory is
gained, it is something we never want to loose.
Luke 19:38 mentions "peace in heaven." Heaven
is a peaceful Kingdom. Revelation 14:9-10 shows
that there is a place where peace does not reign.
"And the third angel followed them, saying with a
loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his
image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in
his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the
wrath of God, which is poured ouT without mixture
into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be
tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence
of the holy angels, and in the presence of the
Lamb." Do we want God's strong wrath, without
dilution, to be poured on us? Do we want to endure
the fire of hell? Jesus is the only way to true
peace. To Him, we must give our all. The Lord is
willing to help us gain peace, but we must submit
totally to Him.
Romans 14:19 says, "Let us therefore follow
after the things which make for peace, and things
wherewith one may edify another. " If we are at
peace with God, we will easily have peace with
God's family. Peace begins with our Lord who
willingly gave Himself to die upon the cross for
our sins. Jesus had peace when He said, "...never-
theless not my will, but thine, be done." Luke
22:42. Even after He said that, , Jesus still
struggled. He prayed in agony and "sweat as it
were great drops of blood" fell to the ground, but
victory came. May we all follow His perfect example
and say, "Thy will be done." We need to crucify
THE PILGRIM 15
self in order to obtain the perfect peace. Gal. 5:22
includes peace as a fruit of the Spirit. May we all
find the peace that will illuminate our lives and
help us shine forth for our blessed Lord. "Let your
light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father which is in
heaven." Matthew 5:16.
— Liana Huffman
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 20
In this chapter Paul journeyed into Macedonia.
From there he went to Corinth in Greece, where he
spent three months. As Paul prepared to sail to
Syria, he was warned that the Jews lay wait to kill
him, so he decided to go back up through Macedonia
to Troas. At Troas, Paul preached to the disciples
until late into the night. While he was preaching
there was a young man by the name of Eutychus who
was sitting in the window of the upper room when he
went to sleep, causing him to fall out the window.
The fall out the window was fatal to the young
man. He was said to be dead. But when Paul had
stretched himself out on the man he told the people
not to fear, for the man's life was in him. After
Eutychus was raised, many people were comforted.
Then Paul ate with the disciples, and in the early
morning hours he departed and headed to Miletus.
While Paul was at Miletus he called for the
Ephesian elders. He told them about how from the
first time he set foot in Asia he had served the
Lord with humility, and had kept nothing from them,
and how he had taught the Jews and also the
Greeks . He told them that they would see him no
more, and that they should watch the church because
of wolves that are going to enter the church. The
elders became very sorrowful for the words he spoke
about seeing him no more.
— Ray Davis
CHILDREN'S PAGE: ALONE
Several months ago we were helping someone
move. It was dark and our little granddaughter
stood looking out the door. Finally she said, "I
want to go outside, but I have nobody to go with
me." Her daddy picked her up and took her out with
him. Little Courtney was afraid to be alone in the
dark. How thankful we are that children have
daddies that love them and take time to comfort
them.
One time when Jesus was healing the sick, there
was a great crowd of people around Him. Jesus no
doubt was tired. He told His disciples to get in a
boat with Him. There in a boat they were resting
with no one else around. Jesus was asleep. There
came a great storm. The wind blew and the waves
were so big that they covered the boat. These
grown men were afraid. Big men get afraid too,
(not just children.) Probably their first thoughts
were — we are all alone. Then they remembered
Jesus. They awoke Him and said, "Lord, we
perish." Jesus answered, "Why are you afraid, oh
ye of little faith?" Jesus arose and rebuked the
winds and the sea. There was a great calm.
Children, many times in your young life you are
troubled. You are like the disciples on the sea.
The waves of trouble sometimes about get you down.
Talk to your parents about your problems. They
want to hear what is bothering you. When you talk
to them you will also experience a great calm in
your life. Little Courtney told her parents what
was bothering her. Her daddy calmed her troubled
mind.
— Everett Qyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA
THE PILGRIM
19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 JUNE, 1993 No. 6
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." / Peter 2:ii
OUR THANKS, GOD, FOR FATHERS
Our thanks, God, for fathers
Who follow in Thy way,
And who, with glad and trusting hearts,
Exalt Thee every day.
Our thanks, God, for fathers
Who show, by word and deed,
Commitment to Thy will and plan,
And Thy commandments heed.
Our thanks, God, for fathers
Who meet Thee oft in prayer,
And who, for all life's toil and care,
Find strength and wisdom there.
How blessed are the children
Who in their fathers see
The tender Father-love of God,
And find their way to Thee.
— Lois S. Johnson, 1925
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $£00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover-
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR
I have a tractor, a good old Ford, that is just
about right for my small farming needs. But it
seems to wear out in its many parts and requires
continual maintenance and repair* We are hard on
this tractor, sometimes trying to do jobs too large
for it, like pulling brush and stumps. It runs
well and fills its place if it is maintained
properly and treated right.
Sometimes I feel that I am a little like this
old Ford tractor. There are similarities but also
some important differences.
God has made His people for good purposes. We
are neither small like a mouse nor unwieldy like an
elephant. We are given minds to reason and learn,
and hands to work, feet to run, eyes to see, ears
to hear, etc. Like the tractor we were created to
be useful and productive.
Also, like the tractor, we need maintenance and
repair or renewal. But the way this comes about is
one of the differences. Machinery wears out with
use. There is some deterioration with disuse, but,
in general, the tractor doesn't wear out with
idleness. People, on the other hand, experience
great deterioration in idleness. A living thing
improves as it does the things it id made to do.
Inactivity results in decay. This is true
physically and spiritually, too. A muscle
exercised well and nourished properly only grows
stronger with use. In our spiritual life we also
grow stronger as we exercise. As we commune with
God and honor our Lord Jesus, the bond becomes
dearer and stronger. As we study the Word our
capacities expand. As we exercise in witnessing
and praying, these "skills" or gifts strengthen and
sharpen. As we partake and feed on Jesus and His
Word, we become healthy and prosperous spiritually.
If we neglect the very activities for which we
THE PILGRIM
were created, we can expect to deteriorate. What
can be done when this happens? Is there some
spiritual equivalent of the repair shop with its
master mechanics that can put an old tractor into
efficient operation by an overhaul?
Ephesians 4:23 says, "And be renewed in the
spirit of your mind." Paul tells how this is
done--by putting off the old man — the works of the
flesh — and putting on the new man. V. 24: "And
that ye put on the new man, which after God is
created in righteousness and true holiness." Much
of the New Testament — especially the epistles — tell
how we can be exercised, strengthened, amd renewed
in our Christian lives.
In a tractor, dirt can get into bearings, poor
fuel or oil can hinder efficient operation, or
other physical damage can result from careless-
ness. In the Christian life we can become
contaminated by the works of the flesh and hindered
by impure food, (worthless reading? poor entertain-
ment? idle thoughts? unholy friendships?) Satan
will sabotage the Christian operation if he can,
whether it be in the work of the church or the
individual life.
A tractor in poor repair is not ready to use.
Just when you need it, it is unavailable. A
Christian, living in God's will, is ready to be
used. When God knows a person in need of a
testimony or in need of encouragement, would He
send that person to me? Are we in good repair and
"meet for the master's use"? (See II Timothy
2:19-26) God uses those who are prepared.
A brother reminded me recently that each
generation needs revival. How true I We must not,
cannot, rely on the accomplishments of our fathers.
In each generation we need new commitment. The
fruit of the Spirit must be ours. We must believe
for ourselves the foundation values and doctrines
the Lord gave and the Holy Spirit has taught through
the church in past ages.
Our bodies wear out like an old tractor. But
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when we are born again, we begin a life that grows
toward perfection. II Corinthians 4-' 16: "For which
cause we faint not; but though our outward man
perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."
As a tractor rolls from the assembly line, it is at
its best. But the new Christian gets better. God
the Creator is also the Master Mechanic who
perfects us and causes us to grow. A tractor is
not alive. But Christians are alive in Christ, and
that is the greatest difference. Thanks be to God
for His divine operation in our lives I
The old tractor sputtered and stopped.
What could the problem be?
Spark plugs? carburetor? fuel line? gas?
If I could only see.
I'd not maintained it as I should;
No wonder it has quit.
Now I must ask someone who knows.
What is the matter with it?
What about our Christian life?
Have we maintained it well?
Has it stalled when we needed it most?
How is it that we fell?
Are we in shape for God to use?
Or do we need repair?
Would God send needy souls to us?
Could we our blessings share?
One there is who knows our plight
The Creator of earth and sky
Call on Him; He is the light.
He knows the reason why.
To God be glory for our health;
He made us and knows our frame.
He will repair, renew, and heal.
When we call on His Holy name. — L.C.
THE PILGRIM
I AM THE DOOR
In John 10:7, Jesus had just finished His
parable and said again, "Verily, verily, I say unto
you, I am the door of the sheep." Just what did
Jesus mean when He spoke the parable in John 10:1-5?
Verse six says, "This parable spake Jesus unto
them; but they understood not what things they were
which he spake unto them." In order to more fully
understand the words Jesus was speaking about His
being the door, we need to realize why there needed
to be a door in the first place. Now a door is
always a means of entrance into an area closed off
from the outside of the place beyond the doorway,
or entrance into the inner area. We need to first
understand man's problem of sin and lost condition
and the remedy for it. It is also important to
understand the Tabernacle service given to the
Israelites. First we will go to the problem of sin
and its results.
In Genesis, chapters one and two give us
knowledge of creation and God's placing man in a
garden at a place called Eden. In that garden were
many trees, and I believe it was more beautiful
than we can imagine today, as we live in a world
marred by sin. In this very perfect creation were
placed two trees important above all the others:
the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of
good and evil. God told Adam and Eve they could
eat of all the trees of the garden except one, the
tree of knowledge of good and evil. (See Genesis
2:9) These two special trees, I believe, were side
by side in the very center of the garden or "the
midst." In verse 16 God said to man, "And the Lord
God commanded the man, saying, Of every tree of the
garden thou mayest freely eat: But of the tree of
the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat
of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou
shalt surely die." Adam and Eve did exactly what
God told them not to do. They chose to eat of the
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tree, the only tree in the whole beautiful garden
that was plainly commanded not to eat of, and God
said the results would be death. The results of
that sin also marred the whole creation- The earth
now brings forth briers and thistles, and we have
to earn our living by hard labor and sweat until
death finally does come to us all. - See Genesis
3: 17-19* Then we return back to the dust of the
ground from which God made us. Now see what God
said in Genesis 3:22-24, "And the Lord God said,
Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know
good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his
hand , and take also of the tree of life , and eat ,
and live forever: Therefore the Lord God sent him
forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground
from whence he was taken. So he drove out the man;
and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden
Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every
way, to keep the way of the tree of life. ,f How
hopeless! Man was now separated from being able to
eat of the tree of life and live forever. He only
had one thing in his fallen condition to look
forward to: death. But, praise God, Jesus was the
door or entrance to coming back to partake of the
tree of life. How thankful we can be God drove man
out of the Garden of Eden and set a barrier to the
tree of life so we could never have eternal life in
a fallen, sinful condition.
Now the tabernacle service as explained in
various places in Hebrews: The Book of Exodus
chapters 25, 26, and 27 describe all the details of
the tabernacle God told Moses to build with all the
instruments. Chapters 28, 29, and 30 give details
of the priests and their services. We can not now
explain all the parts or meaning of the tabernacle
God told Moses to build or all the meanings of
perfumes, incense, curtains, colors, gold, etc.
Each and every thing represented a specific
spiritual meaning or service to God. God plainly
told Moses to build according to the pattern shown
him. This was very important. (See Hebrews 8:5 •)
THE PILGRIM
This was so that no spiritual meaning or type would
be left out. The important points to cover at this
time are the services of the priest daily and the
services of the high priest, as once each year he
entered the most holy place into the inner veil or
holiest of holies within the second veil. The
priests went daily into the first portion through
the first veil or curtain into the holy place with
blood for an offering for sins. (See Hebrews
9:6.) "Now when these things were thus ordained,
the priests went always into the first tabernacle,
accomplishing the service of God. " This is to
represent each and every true believer of God going
to God in prayer by faith in the shed blood of
Jesus Christ for an offering for our sins. Each
believer is now a priest to God and can come with
the blood of Christ for forgiveness of sins. Ve no
longer need a priest on earth over us. (See
Revelation 1:6 and 5:10.) The first veil the
priests entered through was a curtain to separate
them from the outer world. He entered into this
holy place, representing us as true believers
separating ourselves from the world as we come to
God with the blood of Christ. Hebrews 9:7: "But
into the second went the high priest alone once
every year, not without blood, which he offered for
himself, and for the errors of the people."
Especially notice verse 8 now, as it is the key
verse to understanding: "The Holy Ghost this
signifying, that the way into the holiest of all
was not yet made manifest, while as the first
tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure
for the time then present..." Notice it was only
the high priest that could ever enter through the
second veil into the place called the holiest of
all. This inner place was so sacred it was closed
at all times to all except once a year to the high
priest. If anyone would as much as part the
curtain and look inside he would die. This also
applied to the high priest except once a year, when
he was to enter with blood first for his own sins
8 THE PILGRIM
and the people s. Now we need to go back to John
10:2 which is the key verse here. Notice Jesus 1
words: "But he that entereth in by the door is the
shepherd of sheep." What does He mean? Simply
exactly what He says. He is saying the One
entering the door is the true Shepherd of the Sheep
meaning Himself. Jesus is the true Shepherd; we
are His sheep. See John 10 verses 11 and 14 • He
then must enter a door, an access into the holiest
of holies. When Jesus was crucified on Calvary,
many miracles happened. The most important one to
notice at this time is recorded in Matthew 27:50,51:
"Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice,
yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the
temple was rent in twain from the top to the
bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks
rent." What marvelous power of God was represented
here! The most holy place was now plainly in view
for the whole world to look into. That inner veil
or curtain was torn wide open. This veil that
separated all the world from the most holy place
represented Jesus Christ f s flesh, and the holiest of
holies within represents heaven itself where God's
throne is. The high priest entering once a year
represents Jesus entering into heaven for us. The
high priest entered with the blood of a lamb.
Jesus entered by His own blood being a high priest
forever for us. See Hebrews 10:19-25? especially
notice verse 20. Jesus entered through the veil of
His flesh. "Having therefore, brethren, boldness
to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by
a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for
us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; And
having an high priest over the house of God; Let us
draw near with a true heart in full assurance of
faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil
conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
Let us hold fast the profession of our faith
without wavering; (for he is faithful that
promised;) And let us consider one another to
provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking
THE PILGRIM
the assembling of ourselves together, as the mariner
of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much
the more, as ye see the day approaching." Just the
night before Jesus was crucified, He went to the
garden of Gethsemane in earnest prayer, pleading
with the Heavenly Father that if there would be any
way that He might grant it, and so spare Jesus from
His sacrifice of body and His shed blood. There
was no other way, and Jesus was willing to bear
anything to do the Father's will. Praise God for
His mighty work at that hour when Jesus entered
through the veil of His flesh, the veil of the
temple was torn open, and at last a way into heaven
was opened that we could enter into heaven itself
to partake of the tree of life and live forever.
(See Revelation 22:1-5-) Heaven's gates would have
ever been closed if Jesus hadn't entered through
the door of His flesh. This is why He said in John
10:2, "But he that entereth in by the door is the
Shepherd of the sheep." John 10:2 says if we try
any other way we are a thief; robbing Jesus of His
great sacrifice He made for us that day at Calvary.
Prior to that day no one had ever entered heaven,
no not even Enoch or Elijah. See John 3:13: "And
no man hath ascended up to heaven, but He that came
down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in
heaven." No, Enoch and Elijah never went to the
third heaven, to God's throne, as the Scriptures do
plainly show the way was not yet opened so long as
the first tabernacle was yet standing. (See
Hebrews 9:8.) Jesus opened heaven ' s gate and
entered in to make intercession for us. The way is
now open to all who receive Him by faith. His
promises are sure, and He is soon coming again to
gather His sheep. Hebrew 4:14-16: "Seeing then
that we have a great high priest, that is passed
into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold
fast our profession. For we have not an high
priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of
our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like
10 THE PILGRIM
as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come
boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain
mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
We can only enter in by faith in His broken body
and shed blood. Please trust this and nothing
else. There is no other way. He has opened the
door and we can enter in to take of the tree of
life and live forever. See Revelation 2:7-
— Alvin Wray, Pomona, Kansas
BAPTISM
We of the California congregation were happy to
have Mark and Betsy Brown unite with us by
Christian baptism on Sunday, May 2. May they
faithfully serve our Savior all their lives.
— Joseph L. Cover
Mark and Betsy Brown 20163 Crystal Falls Drive
Sonora, CA. 95370
(209) 533-8979
MARRIAGES
MOORE—BOONE Richard Moore and Elizabeth Boone
were married May 1, at Rocky Mount, Virginia.
WAGNER — NOECKER David Wagner and Mona Noecker,
were married May 22, at Gettysburg, Ohio.
BIRTHS
CRAWMER — A son, Jason Eli, born April 28, to
Chris and Jill Crawmer of Tuolumne, California.
MARTIN — A son, Konrad John, born May 5, to
Jonathan and Lisa Martin of Nappanee, Indiana.
BAKER — A daughter, Julie Elizabeth, born May 17
to David and Amanda Baker of Maple, Ontario.
THE PILGRIM 11
FEET ON OUR LOVE
1. Recently I asked our two year old daughter
if she could say, "I love you, Mama-" She didn't
say anything , but came to me, put her arms around
my neck, and gave me a hug and a kiss.
2. The Samaritan man came upon a wounded man
lying by the roadside. He bound up his wounds,
took him to an inn, and left money for his further
care. (Luke 10:30-37)
3- For God so loved the world that He gave His
only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Hira
should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John
3:16)
4- When someone in the church or community is
sick or dies, people help clean the family's home,
bring food for meals, write cards and letters, and
visit the family.
5. "Having loved His own who were in the world,
He now showed them the full extent of His love,"
After the meal, Jesus wrapped a towel around his
waist, poured water into a basin, and washed His
disciples' feet. (John 13:1-17 NIV)
What do all of the above examples have in
common? They were "showing by doing" or putting
love into action, were they not?
It is easy to be concerned for someone, giving
their situation some thought, and maybe even
thinking to pray for them; but do they have any
evidence that we care? Writing a letter, making a
phone call, or paying a visit should not present
too great a hardship for us, should it? If we wait
until we can make an eloquent speech or write
without error, chances are, people will never know
that we care. When someone is sorrowing, lonely,
and/or discouraged, it doesn ' t take big
demonstrations to show that we care; just little
things that we're all capable of. Let's put "feet
on our love."
"Let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but
in deed and in truth." (I John 3:18)
— liiva Royer
12 THE PILGRIM
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
FAITH
Matthew 21:21,22: "Verily I say unto you, If ye
have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do
this which is done to the fig tree, but also if ye
shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and
be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. "And
all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer,
believing, ye shall receive." So we see how
willing Jesus is to help us, if we only want to do
His will.
GOD'S RESTRAINT ON MAN
Ecclesiastes 7:14: "On the day of prosperity be
joyful, but on the day of adversity consider: God
also hath set the one over against the other to the
end that man should find nothing after him. " So we
see by the daily news from all over the world, that
God is working intentionally and privately with man
to restrain man from pride and self conceit, by
war, drought, floods, earthquakes, and many more
problems, to make man realize his weakness, and
dependance on Him.
THE RETURN OF JESUS
In the 13th chapter of Mark, Jesus told of many
things that would take place before His return.
also in many other Scriptures we are warned to
watch and prepare to meet Him, when He comes. The
news and radio bring many reports of war, famine,
pestilences, earthquakes, as He foretold. So we
should be awake and watching for His return.
— Ernest Wagner
THE PILGRIM 13
FRUIT BEARING
Fruit bearing that brings honor and glory to God
is an act that reveals the character of God. It is
proof that the Holy Spirit is in control of the
will of man.
It is only by the Holy Spirit that we are able
to discern God's nature and imitate His life.
Goodness is a visual testimony and a testimony
against this world. I Peter 2:12 says, "Having
your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that,
whereas they speak against you as evil doers, they
may by your good works, which they shall behold ,
glorify God in the day of visitation." Matthew
5:16 says, "Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your
Father which is in heaven." The onlookers of the
early church were puzzled when the Christians
treated enemy and friend the same.
Goodness makes us different from the world.
"But love ye your enemies and do good..." (Luke
6:35)
As we discern God's goodness, we know it is only
through this that we are able to change our nature
and become righteous before Him. "...knowing that
the goodness of God leadeth (us) to repentance."
(Romans 2:4) "For we are his workmanship, created
in Christ Jesus unto good works..." (Ephesians 2:10)
We are to be a peculiar people, zealous of good
works. (Titus 2:14)
We are to stimulate one another to good works.
(Hebrews 10:24)
"And let ours also learn to maintain good works
for necessary uses, that they be not unfruitful."
(Titus 2:14)
— Kenneth Martin
14 THE PILGRIM
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 21
The greater portion of the 21st chapter of Acts
concerns the Apostle Paul and his experience when
he arrived at Jerusalem. It is a testimony of how
Paul was willing to live and die for Jesus.
In the first part of this chapter we find Paul
and his companions on their way to Jerusalem.
Twice we have recorded that Paul was warned of what
would happen in Jerusalem. The disciples at Tyre
urged him not to go. Then in Caesarea he was given
an even clearer sign from the Holy Spirit. Agabus,
a prophet, predicted how that Paul would be bound
and handed over to the Gentiles in Jerusalem. Yet,
despite the pleas of his companions and the other
disciples, Paul insisted on going.
We have to wonder why Paul persisted in going to
Jerusalem when there were so many clear signs that
persecution awaited him there. Paul himself may
have answered that question in verse 13 when he
indicated that he was willing not only to be bound
but to die for the name of the Lord Jesus. He had
already indicated through his life up to this point
that he was more than willing to live for Christ.
Perhaps this was God's way of demonstrating that
Paul was also willing to die for his faith.
What happened when Paul arrived in Jerusalem is
interesting. After Paul finished telling the
elders in Jerusalem all of the great things that
God was doing among the Gentiles, the elders
informed him that many of the converted Jews still
adhered to the Law and that they were concerned
that Paul was not living or teaching according to
it. They proposed that Paul should join four other
men in taking a vow to demonstrate his obedience to
the Law. It is interesting that Paul agreed with
them, since much of his teaching and ministry
emphasized the fulfillment of the Law and a new
dispensation of grace.
However, Jews from Asia stirred up the people
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15
with false accusations and caused such an uproar
that the Roman army had to interfere and quell the
riot. This resulted in Paul's being put into the
hands of the Romans— a direct fulfillment of
Agabus's prophecy in verse 11 •
Although Satan seemed to have an upper hand in
much of this, God was still in control of Paul's
life and using him as a testimony to those around
him. In fact, the testimony of Paul's willingness
to suffer and even die for Jesus is an inspiring
example of the attitude that we as Christians
should have in our own lives.
— Eddie Wagner
??QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS??
In Acts 12, Herod had killed James the brother
of John. When Herod saw it pleased the Jews, he
proceeded to take Peter also. When Peter was
arrested, Herod put him in prison.
Verse 5* "Peter therefore was kept in prison.
But prayer was made without ceasing of the church
unto God for him."
After Peter was led out of prison by an angel,
he came to himself and realized he wasn't having a
vision. Verse 12. "And when he considered the
thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of
John, whose surname was Mark; where many were
gathered together praying."
I know the power of prayer is unlimited. We all
have this power at hand. If some disaster would
strike, would it benefit to get together and pray
as a group? —Everett Oyler
Send answers and comments to The Pilgrim*
ADDRESS CHANGES
Lloyd Wagner's new street
James Beery' s new phone
3348 Shoe make Ave.
(219) 831-6158
CHILDREN'S PAGE: WHY WAIT?
Children, do you know what procrastination
means? It is putting off doing something until
another time. If you are told to get wood in or
wash dishes and you wait until the last minute , you
are procrastinating.
Jesus tells us a story of ten young women going
to a wedding. Five were wise and five were
foolish. All ten went to meet the bridegroom. The
bridegroom didn't come as soon as they thought, so
they fell asleep. At midnight the call came that
the bridegroom was coming. All ten virgins arose
and made their lamps ready. The wise had oil to
put in their lamps. The five foolish had no oil.
They wanted to borrow some oil from the five that
had oil. But the wise said not so. "If we give
you some of our oil we may not have enough. Go and
buy some and come back." They went and bought some
oil. When they got back the bridegroom had come,
and the ones that had oil went in, and the door was
shut. The foolish ones could' not get in. Do you
know why? They had procrastinated. They knew they
should have taken oil, but, like so many of us, they
waited until the last minute .
Some time ago someone gave a family four kittens.
One of the children poured milk in a pan and set it
down for the kittens. They were so eager to get
the milk that they had their feet in the pan. A
lesson can be taken from this. When there is some-
thing set down for you to do, start now. Just jump
in with both feet and work until you are finished.
— Everett Oyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA
THE PILGRIM
19201 Chreokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 JULY, 1993 No. 7
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." t Peter 2.11
HO, EVERYONE THAT IS THIRSTY
Ho, every one that is thirsty in spirit I
Ho, every one that is weary and sad I
Come to the fountain; there's fullness in Jesus.
All that you're longing for; Come and be glad.
Child of the world, are you tired of your bondage?
Weary of earth joys so false and untrue?
Thirsting for God and His fullness of blessings?
List 1 to the promise, a message for you.
Child of the Kingdom be filled with the Spirit!
Nothing but fullness thy longing can meet;
'Tis the endurement for life and for service.
Thine is the promise, so certain, so sweet.
I will pour water on him that is thirsty;
I will pour floods upon the dry ground.
Open your heart for the gift I am bringing
While ye are seeking Me, I will be found.
— Lucy J. Rider
THE PILGRIM is a religious maoazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $5-00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover
Address; THE PILGRIM. 19201 Cherokee Rd„ Tuolumne, CA 95379
THE BODY
In September , 1991 > a man ' s body was found in
the frozen glaciers of the Alps on the Austrian
Italian border. Scientists estimated that this man
lived about 5000 years ago. It was a fantastic
discovery for those who study man in history.
Rocks are older but hold far less interest than
this body. Even ancient bones of animals are of
small value compared to a discovery like this. To
find even a small part of a human body begins an
investigation by authorities.
God made our bodies. He made Adam first and
then Eve. After that, God used the ones He made to
bring more people to life in a process we call
birth and growth. No one but God the Creator could
do this. All normal people love to see babies, to
hold them, to watch them grow. Truly our bodies
are unique in God's creation.
Don't you marvel at the way your body works?
The brain (in the "head") controls and coordinates
all the parts to move smoothly. One who jerks or
lurches or stumbles is obviously out of control.
Another marvel is the way the body cares for its
various parts. An injury brings immediate
attention. Each member is important. If a hand or
foot or even a finger hurts, the whole body is
involved.
In I Corinthians 12:27, Paul writes, "Now ye are
the body of Christ , and members in particular . " In
this chapter are many comparisons of this body, the
church, to the natural body of man. But it is not
a comparison when he says, "Ye are the body of
Christ." It is important to realize we are a body
and not just like a body. If the scientists found
something that was only like a man's body, it would
be of much less importance.
THE PILGRIM
In the same manner, Christ is the head of the
church (Ephesians 5:23), not just like a head, but
He is the head. He is the controlling One in His
body. As a hand reaches out immediately when the
signal comes from the brain, so should we respond
to Christ.
Surprisingly, Paul writes (also in Ephesians
5:23) "For the husband is the head of the wife,
even as Christ is the head of the church..." Can
it be that husband and wife share such a close
relationship? What a tragedy then when this bond
is broken. We live in a time of violence. Crimes
of killing and dismembering a body are all too
common. But it is also a violence when a husband
and wife are severed. And it happens, they say, to
half of the marriages in our day.
Another tragedy is when a tiny unborn body is
aborted and killed when it should be loved, cared
for, and welcomed into the world.
Still another tragedy is when members of the
body of Christ are divided from one another.
Truly our Creator must be sad to see His people
so violent to one another in the various bodies He
created. Let us see the true picture: Jesus
suffered and died in the body the Father prepared
for Him. This He did to rescue _us from the
violence and sin of the world. He now speaks to us
through Paul in I Corinthians 6:19,20: "What?
know ye not that your body is the temple of the
Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God,
and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a
price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in
your spirit, which are God's." — L.C-
ADDRESS CORRECTION
Mark and Betsy Brown 21063 Crystal Falls Drive
THE PILGRIM
A GIFT FOR LONELY MAN
"It is not good," God said
"For man to be alone . "
Alone? Among the glittering
Galaxies He made
For man's delight?
Alone, God said.
Alone? With stately trees and vines
That bore a pleasant fruit,
The sweet reward for labor as
He kept them dressed?
That very toil was boon immense
To man — a man
Who was alone.
Alone? Amidst the creatures
Of earth and air and ocean,
Each one of whom he called by name:
Lion and antelope and nightingale —
A kingdom his to reign supreme?
A monarch, yes, but still
Alone.
Then God gave man woman —
Flesh of his flesh,
Bone of his bone —
That man might learn
To love.
Yet we, mankind — poor fools —
Still live, each one alone —
Alone we guard our wealth and power,
Alone, when God gave us one another,
That we might learn this love
That will not let us live
Alone.
— Ted Morrow
from Gospel Herald , 1956
THE PILGRIM
??QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS??
"I know the power of prayer is unlimited. We
all have this power at hand. If some disaster
would strike, would it benefit to get together and
pray as a group?" — Everett Oyler
ANSWER:
In answer to Brother Everett Oyler* s question, I
do believe that it would, and does benefit to get
together as brethren to pray about a specific
problem, sickness, disaster, etc. Do we not all
tend to be too individualistic in our day? For
this reason we do need to unite with others in
prayer. It is important that we learn not only to
pray alone, but also to pray with other Christians.
In doing so we learn to use our ears as well as our
mouths, and by the prayers of our brothers we are
drawn together with them in effective prayer. As
we pray together, the reality of our prayers and
the burdens that weigh upon us become more clear,
and together we can understand and speak of them
clearly. This can make it more possible for God to
commit fresh burdens upon us daily. He needs , the
cooperation of His Church on earth, and it is
through prayer that we get our instructions,
directions, and cooperation with Him I
For instance, if God gives you a burden to
preach the Gospel, the more you preach it
faithfully and willingly, the more you will come to
a peace of mind and soul, whereas if you fail to do
this, your burden will weigh you down more and more
until you are crushed beneath its weight. Then a
barrier will arise between God and you, and you
will feel it difficult to get in touch with Him.
The presence of elders at the bedside of the
sick, helps to encourage the afflicted person, and
helps make him aware of the effectiveness of
prayer. Yes, I personally feel it can help unite
and draw us closer together when we share and pray
over a disaster or problem, especially if it
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concerns the Brotherhood. Joshua would not have
been deceived if he or as a group, they would have
prayed and sought God's help about the situation.
He didn't seek God's will, but went on his own
feelings and was deceived. The Gibeonites wore old
garments and shoes and had dry, moldy bread. They
were pagan Hittites who lived nearby and pretended
to be from a far away country. Joshua failed in
discernment because they sought not God's direction
in the matter.
I cannot help but think of Abraham Lincoln's
thanksgiving proclamation, in which He pleaded for
all people as a nation to come before God in prayer
and fasting to confess and repent. Yes, America
could be spared yet if all would give heed to God ' s
ways and praise Him as their Saviour and Creator.
The question is, do we have a ministry of prayer
among us as Brethren? It can be an inspiration
among us if we would fall upon our knees while
together in prayer, like they did for Peter, who
was in prison. Maybe God will honor our prayers in
a miraculous manner, beyond our comprehension!
What about the Early Church in the upper room? How
did and do revivals begin? — Arnold Bowser
Collins , Mississippi
July Question:
In the Bible, we read "...For unto whomsoever
much is given, of him shall be much required:..."
Luke 12:48 We have been abundantly blessed — maybe
more than any nation in the history of the world —
with an abundance of material goods, and also with
spiritual truth. What is our responsibility toward
those who are suffering from the lack of either
physical or spiritual provisions? Just what does
the Lord require of us?
— Bart and Annalee Taylor
THE PILGRIM
OBITUARY
Susan Rachel (Skiles) Coning, daughter of Andrew
and Mary Helen (Maugans) Skiles, was born March 26,
1903, near Lapel, Indiana. She came to the end of
life's journey quite suddenly May 24, 1993, at
Elkart General Hospital, following a very short
illness, at the age of 90 years, 1 month, and 28
days.
Early in life she answered the call of her
Master and was baptized into the Old German Baptist
Church. With her husband, she affiliated with the
German Baptist Brethren of Beavercreek in 1947*
Following the death of her husband in 1969> she
united with the Old Brethren Church, ever striving
to be true to her Saviour.
On November 1, 193-1 > she was united in marriage
to William H. Coning. To this union were born one
daughter, Evelyn, and two sons, Melvin and W.
Arden. They spent about seven years of their life
together near Lakeland, Florida. They moved to
Covington, Ohio, in 1940, and then to Gettysburg,
Ohio, in 1945* Following her husband* s death in
1969, she moved to Goshen, Indiana, where she spent
her remaining years.
Mother and Grandmother, responding to the pious
example and teaching of faithful parents, always
seemed to find a way to put the cause of Christ
first in her life. Her cards and letters to
friends and acquaintances were filled with words
and poems of encouragement for a "closer walk with
God." In her closing years, her correspondence
seemed to occupy more and more of her concern, as
though she thought of this as her special
"ministry."
She loved the outdoors, and during the growing
season, much of her time was spent in the garden
and flowerbeds, encouraging and nurturing each
plant to bloom and bear fruit to its full
potential. However, her love of the out-of-doors
and growing good things to eat and beautiful
8 THE PILGRIM
flowers did not crowd out her love for singing the
many hymns of praise and faith that meant so much
to her.
Preceding her in death were her companion; two
sisters: Martha Keller, and Nancy Anna Rumble; and
two brothers: Joseph and John. She leaves to
mourn, her family: 1 daughter Evelyn; 2 sons,
Melvin and W. Arden; 12 grandchildren; and 19
great-grandchildren; also two sisters: Ruth
Huntzinger, and Kathryn Beckner; and many friends
and acquaintances.
Funeral services were conducted with a brief
family service held Thursday in the home of son
Melvin followed by services at 9:30 A.M. in the Old
Brethren meeting house near Goshen, Indiana, by
Brethren Kenneth Martin, Thomas Royer, and Neil
Martin. Words of comfort were brought from II
Timothy 4:6-8 and I Thessalonians 4:13-18. Hymns
used were 385, 483, 494, and 384.
Her body was taken to Gettysburg Cemetery,
Gettysburg, Ohio, where viewing and graveside
services were held at 4:30 P.M. She was laid to
rest beside her husband to await the glorious
Resurrection. Hymns 458, 456, 455, and 403 were
sung while the grave was being filled.
We have many loving memories and will certainly
miss her. May our loss be her eternal gain.
— The Family
Our dear Grandmother has passed away:
Long was her time — 90 years was her stay.
Many years though they be, she was close to us here,
Yet when parting time comes, there's sadness and
tears.
So many memories she's left in our hearts
Of small kindly deeds and thoughtfulness oft.
At times she would have us come stay overnight.
We helped her outside—flowers were her delight.
She sang to us songs, yes, she did love to sing.
And she told us past lessons her memory would bring.
I'm sure many prayers ascended on high
THE PILGRIM
In behalf of her family and friends who passed by.
Now such beautiful gardens she surely must see,
The One Who has died and from sin sets us free.
Here just a foretaste of His love she did know,
And faithful till death of His love she did show.
Now, full knowledge and living forever with Him,
Always joy--never sadness or sorrow from sinl
Oh, may we live in His love and His will,
That when time to us is silent and still,
We could join her and others--a happy band,
To live there with Christ in the Happy Land.
— Written by a granddaughter, Miriam Beery
In quiet and meek assurance,
Through trials of the way,
Susie waited for the Master
To call to endless day.
She loved the beauties God has made;
To work among her flowers.
Flowers never fade where she has gone.
In Heaven's golden bowers.
In worship, when we sang our hymns,
Her voice was raised in praise.
In Heaven's glad throng she now can sing,
Throughout eternal days.
To Susie after church was o'er,
The children all would go.
She'd give to each of them a treat;
She loved them all, you know.
Now she is gone; we'll miss her ways,
Her kind and cheery smile.
Though saddened now, yet we have hope.
We'll meet her after while.
In memory of Susie R. Coning
— Written by Brother James Beery
10 THE PILGRIM
THE DUTIES OF PARENTS
"Train up a child in the way he should go; and
when he is old he will not depart from it- ,f
Proverbs 22:6
This subject, the duties of parents, is a very-
large one. I shall aim to say the most important
things concerning it, but shall still be conscious
of leaving unsaid things that are also important.
The responsibility of bringing into existence an
immortal being is the greatest responsibility, it
seems to me, that human beings can voluntarily take
upon themselves. And this responsibility should be
assumed, not thoughtlessly, but thoughtfully — not
carelessly, but prayerfully. Duties, grave and
important duties, inevitably spring out of this
relation between parent and child. He who assumes
the responsibility of being a parent, but neglects
those duties is worthy of all condemnation.
The text presents a very important principle
underlying the duties of parents. Children are to
be trained. They are to be trained in the right
way; and being trained in the right way, they gain
an impetus that keeps them in the right way when
they are no longer under your care. You are to
call to their help and your help the force of habit.
1. Parents should give their children sound
bodies and a good physical training.
The responsibility for this begins long before
the child is born. n Like produces like" is the law
of nature. To give your children sound bodies you
must have sound bodies yourselves. You may do much
after they are born to give them good health and
train them to good physical habits, but the best
foundation for such training is good health and
good habits for yourself. The subject of prenatal
influence over children is of exceeding importance
THE PILGRIM 11
to parents, and some very plain words ought to be
spoken on the subject.
A volumne might be written on the duty of
looking after the physical training of children. I
can mention only a few things. See that your
children get plain, wholesome, food, and plenty of
it; good pure air, and plenty of it, by day and
night; good wholesome exercise and innocent fun,
and plenty of them; good sound sleep at night, and
plenty of it. That is a pernicious system of work
or study which does not give a child considerable
time every day for play. For a child under eight
or ten years of age, three or four hours of study:
For a child under fifteen or sixteen, five or six
hours of good* honest study — including the time for
recitations — is all that should be allowed or
required. Anything more will endanger the child 1 s
health. Any system of education that requires more
of the average child should receive the protest of
every parent. It is better for the child not to
learn so many things, or else be a few years longer
in learning them, than to endanger the sound body,
without which there cannot be a perfectly sound
mind.
It is your duty to teach your children, in
proper ways and at proper times the evil effects
upon the human body of alcoholic drinks, tobacco,
secret vice, late hours, irregular meals, unclean-
liness, etc. Train your children physically in the
way in which they should go, and when they are old
they will not depart from it.
2. You should give your children a good education.
They have the right to expect from you, or
through you, such a mental and moral training as
will best fit for the manifold duties of life. The
foundation for this kind of training, too, is laid
before the child is born, and it should be carried
on through all the years of infancy and childhood.
You cannot turn this work over to others, although
12 THE PILGRIM
others may help in it. The school teacher is only
your assistant in the work.
The mind of a child is an interrogation point,
and even before it can frame its questions into
words its little mind is asking many questions, and
querying about many things in this new, strange
world that it has entered. Do not get out of
patience with its many questions. Answer them
patiently. If you do not answer them, you are
cheating the child of an important part of its
education.
When your children are old enough, send them to
school. Do not keep them out to work or visit.
Work harder yourself, if need be, that they may
have the time to study. . .
When your children go to school, help them all
you can in their studies. Watch their progress.
Provide for them the necessary books. Visit their
schools and see what kind of assistants you have
there, and what kind of work they are doing.
I remember well how my mother, with the work and
care of a large family, would help her children in
their studies as far as she could, and then rejoice
that they were able to go further than she had been
able to go. . .
As a part of their education, a part of their
training for this life, you should see that they
learn and practise correct moral principles, and
shun all bad habits. For this there is no better
text book than the Bible, for no one can improve on
the Ten Commandments and Christ ' s Sermon on the
Mount. And there are no better teachers than
parents who themselves practise the purest morality.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old he will not depart from it. And
before he is old he will achieve that success in
life which he could not achieve without such
training.
If, when you come to die, you can leave your
children a good physical and mental and moral
education, you have left them a better legacy by
THE PILGRIM 13
far than you would if you had willed to each one a
million dollars.
The million dollars , more or less, would most
likely "be a curse to them. It certainly would
without the education* But the education, with or
without the money, will be a blessing. By giving
them such an education you not only fit them for a
manly self-reliance and self-support, but you also
prepare them to be citizens of this free republic,
and the rulers of the next generation. You are
fitting them for the proper discharge of all the
varied duties of this present life.
The importance of this I do not underrate, but
something else is more important. I believe in
this present life, transitory as it is, but I also
believe — and so do you — in an existance beyond the
grave. And if it be an important duty to train
your children for this life and its duties, how
much more important it is to train them for the
life beyond I (to be continued)
—by R. T. Cross from Home Duties , 1896-1899,
an old book found among Aunt Bertie Baker's things
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
GOD IS LOVE
God was in Jesus manifesting His love in a way
man could understand and respond to. When He
spoke on Mount Sinai, the great power was more than
they could endure. So God came in His Son to live
among men and show His great love and took on
Himself the penalty for Adam's sin — only requiring
faith and belief from man. When Philip asked Jesus
to show them the Father, Jesus told them if they
saw Him, they had seen the Father, for the Father
was in Him doing the work. God wants to dwell in
His believers.
— Ernest Wagner
14 THE PILGRIM
BEARING FRUIT
The testimony of exercising in an act of faith
to the eternal God, the source of all things, (and
someday all men will acknowledge His sovereignty)
is of great comfort and strength. It brings us in
communion with the faithful of all ages.
To declare faith in God requires a will that
intends to follow His will. The cost of this faith
is to be crucified with Christ, nevertheless we
live, yet not we, but Christ lives in us, by the
faith of Jesus Christ, who loved us and gave
Himself for us.
As Christ was suffering in the flesh, He kept
His mind on the glory that was to follow. So it is
with us; as deeds of the flesh need to be mortified,
our body suffers, but our life is hid in Him, that
we may appear with Him in glory. The apostle Paul,
in testifying to this faith, even gloried in
suffering, because he knew what the benefits would
be. We believe the Christian today should be able
to identify with Paul in this. When we are called
to suffer in the flesh, and the spirit of retalia-
tion doesn't tempt us, what a feeling of joy and
peace it is! To claim this faith and act upon it
is what makes us: Sons of God.
Gives us access to grace.
Know Christ dwells in our hearts.
Have spiritual sight.
Have our sins forgiven.
Whole.
Purify our hearts.
Justified.
Righteous.
Sanctified.
Through faith the Christian can
future with full confidence and trust
His promises. Even though men's hearts are failing
in fear of the future, we lift up our heads for our
redemption draweth nigh.
When the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith
on the earth? (Luke 18:8) --Kenneth Martin
Gal.
3:26
Eph.
2:8
Eph.
3:17
II Cor. 5:
7
Luke
5:20
Mark
5:34
Acts
15:9
Rom.
3:28
Phil.
Acts
- 3:9
26:18
look to
the
.t in
. God
and
THE PILGRIM 15
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 22
Acts 21 ends as Paul is being led into the
castle in Jerusalem. There had just been an uproar
with the Jews, and Paul had been seized by the
Romans for his own protection. As he was climbing
the stairs into the castle, he asked that he might
speak to the people. This is where we find Paul at
the first of Acts 22. Over half of this chapter is
Paul's defense. He told the mob (who was silent
now) who he was and what his pedigree was. He was
brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, a man of renoun
in his time. He told them how he zealously
persecuted the Christians at one time. He was at
Stephen's stoning in full consent of his death.
He told them in detail of his conversion on the
road to Damascus and how it left him blinded but a
completely different man. Paul told the crowd of
another time that he saw Jesus and how Jesus
directed him to go to the Gentiles.
With this, Paul's discourse was ended, not that
he was done but the people began to start another
tumult. They were so out of control that they
threw dust into the air.
Paul was then taken into the castle and the
chief captain commanded him to be scourged. Here
Paul used one of his citizen rights. Being born in
Tarsus made him a Roman citizen and as such was not
to be beaten without being found guilty. This gave
us a good discussion on how much we should use our
rights as citizens of this country. Should we
stand for our rights at all times? Paul did it
only for God's glory. He would gladly suffer
persecution for Christ. If we would do it for
selfish reasons we would not get a blessing from
it, and it would tend to dishonor Christ and be a
poor light to those who might be looking on.
Paul had a challenging day. It was not easy to
stand before those Jews. It was probably the hard-
est group of people to talk to when he was telling
them of the One whom they had crucified. But with
the Spirit of God all things are possible, and God
gave him strength to meet the challenge ♦-Peter Cover
CHILDREN'S PAGE: A SUNBEAM FOR JESUS
At work I have a calender that has a picture of
a beautiful flower . A hummingbird is getting
nectar from the flower. Above the picture is the
word "VIRTUE" It also tells what it means.
"Letting others know God loves them by the
brightness of my eyes and smile." The little bird
knows that he is loved by the beautiful flowers and
sweet nectar that God provides. God also makes
beautiful "flowers" for His children. Just
recently we helped fill the grave of one of His
"Beautiful Flowers." When singing in church you
could hear her voice above the others. She wasn't
afraid to let others know she was happy with
Jesus. After meeting was over Susie knew what to
do. Several little hands were held her way,
expecting candy. Her smile and bright eyes told
you that she loved you dearly. Yes, Susie gave you
mints. Now she is enjoying the "candy" of Heaven.
One evening, we went to visit Susie. She had a
nice lamp that wasn't working right. I took the
shade off and was going to see if I could fix it.
The shade slipped out of my hand and broke. It was
glass. The lamp was one she had had for several
years. I knew she really liked it. I felt so
bad. She said not to worry about it. I couldn't
find another one to replace it. Never once did she
act like it bothered her that it was broken. Susie
knew these earthly toys were no comparison to the
Glory of Heaven. Whatever gets broken or lost of
yours — never let it take the smile and brightness
from your eyes.
— Everett Oyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA
THE PILGRIM
19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 AUGUST, 1993 NO. 8
''Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." / Peter 2:11
awake:
Awake! How can we sleep
When souls are bound in sin?
Should we not pray and weep
That they might freedom win?
Where are concern, and tears, and prayer?
How do the lost know that we care?
Awake! In earnest pray,
First search each our own heart.
Upon the altar lay
Ourselves; from sin depart.
For only when we're free from sin
Can we a soul for Jesus win.
Awake! Our time employ
In sincere prayer and praise,
That we might share the joy
Of walking in His ways.
Our apathy through prayer dispel,
Let love to serve Him us impel.
--Miriam Sauder
from Spiritual Hymns
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church, Subscription rate: $£T.0O per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
EXCESS BAGGAGE
Down the aisle of the airplane, bumping into
passengers and seats, lugging a sizeable satchel in
each hand , stumbled an exhausted traveller . Finally
locating his row, he discovered that his bags were
too large to store beneath the seat in front of
him; they must be stuffed into the overhead compart-
ment . It took some time and help from the patient
stewardess, but finally he was settled in his place
for the long flight across the country. On arrival
at his destination the process had to be repeated
in reverse. If only he had checked his bags, he
could have travelled in freedom and comfort.
Airlines in our time have efficient methods of
handling baggage. They invest huge sums on
equipment to carry the suitcases and boxes to just
the right place. They train and pay employees who
work entirely in this area. It is such a relief to
deposit those suitcases at the beginning of a
journey and know they will be handled by someone
equipped for it.
How often do Christians, on their spiritual
journey through life, take too much baggage along,
or else fail to deposit it at the beginning. Let
us examine some of this baggage to possibly help us
travel a little lighter and therefore more comfort-
ably and also more usefully in the cause of the
Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Jesus invites in Matthew 11:28: "Come unto me,
all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will
give you rest." He says to take His easy yoke upon
us and assures us that His burden is light. In
Christ it is unnecessary to carry a heavy load, and
we are unable to do it.
Each person born into the world and living to
accountability since the fall in Eden carries a
load of guilt and sin. For the Bible says that all
THE PILGRIM
have sinned. Eliphaz in Job 15:16 declares, "How
much more abominable and filthy is man, which
drinketh iniquity like water." The poet Reginald
Heber wrote in 1819:
"What though the spicy breezes
Blow soft o'er Ceylon's isle;
Though every prospect pleases
And only man is vile..."
Truly men without the Lord carry a grievous burden
of sin. Even before Jesus gave His invitation,
David wrote in Psalm 55:22: "Cast thy burden upon
the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall
never suffer the righteous to be moved." When we
repent and come to Christ confessing our guilt , He
takes that load from us. How blessed we are when
we can believe that this is what Jesus, our sin
bearer, did for us when He hung on the cross and
"bare our sins in his own body on the tree..." (i
Peter 2:24)
John Bunyon in Pilgrim ' s Progress expresses it
this way:
"Now I saw in my dream that the highway, up
which Christian was to go, was fenced on either
side with a wall, and that was called Salvation.
Up this way therefore did burdened Christian run,
but not without great difficulty, because of the
load on his back.
"He ran thus till he came at a place somewhat
ascending and upon that place stood a cross, and a
little below in the bottom a sepulchre. So I saw
in my dream, that just as Christian came up with
the cross, his burden loosed from off his shoulders,
and fell from off his back, and began to tumble, and
so continued to do till it came to the mouth of the
sepulchre, where it fell in, and I saw it no more.
"Then was Christian glad and lightsome, and said
with a merry heart, 'He hath given me rest by His
sorrow, and life by His death.' Then he stood
still awhile to look and wonder; for it was very
surprising to him, that the sight of the cross
should thus ease him of his burden. He looked,
therefore, and looked again, even till the springs
4 THE PILGRIM
Of his head sent the waters down his cheeks. Now, as
he stood looking and weeping, behold three shining
ones came to him, and saluted him with 'Peace he to
thee; 1 so the first said to him, 'Thy sins be
forgiven;' the second stripped him of his rags, and
clothed him with a change of raiment; the third
also set a mark upon his forehead, and gave him a
roll with a seal upon it, which he bid him look on
as he ran, and that he should give it in at the
celestial gate; so they went their way. Then
Christian gave three leaps for joy, and went on
singing:
'Thus far did I come loaden with my sin,
Nor could aught ease the grief that I was in,
Till I came hither: what a place is this!
Must here be the beginning of my bliss?
Must here the burden fall from off my back?
Must here the strings that bound it to me crack?
Blest cross! blest sepulchre! blest rather be
The Man that there was put to shame for me!" 1
Isaiah 53:4,5 reads, "Surely he hath borne our
griefs and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. "
It is excess baggage and an affront to God when
we cannot believe that He forgives and carried that
load which we could not bear.
God forbid that we should discourage anyone from
doing right, but if we think that we can perform
well enough to somehow offset our sins — if we do
not see that Jesus died to relieve us of guilt — then
we carry a double burden.
Another form of excess baggage is trying to cater
to the whims of fashion and the expectations of the
world around us. When we strive to please only God,
He gives us freedom. To try to please both, is a
burden no one can bear.
Another burden might be called the cares of
materialism which we all bear more than is
necessary. The wise writer of Ecclesiastes says,
(5:10,11) "He that loveth silver shall not be
satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance
with increase; this is also vanity, ¥hen goods
THE PILGRIM
increase, they are increased that eat them: and
what good is there to the owners thereof, saving
the beholding of them with their eyes?" It seems
that we are all beyond the word of Paul to Timothy:
"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is
certain we can carry nothing out. And having food
and raiment let us be therewith content."
No burden is too great for our Saviour, whether
it is sorrow, worry, indebtedness (real or
imagined), or distress with friends. He can give
us peace and show the solutions.
Let us all, as soon as possible, check the excess
baggage. To carry it makes as much sense as the
man who was given a ride on a neighbor's wagon. He
continued to hold his heavy pack on his back
reasoning that it was enough to expect his neighbor
to carry him without asking him to carry his load,
too.
"Casting all your care upon him; for he careth
for you." — L.C.
WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
The subject of "Missions" can be a vast and
touchy work; however, it is not the intent of this
work to be either vast or touchy I So, what is the
mission of this article? To examine just what our
mission is in this world; to stir up our pure minds
by way of remembrance" (II Peter 3:1 ); "pure
minds" being none other than minds who are occupied
with the mind of Christ.
The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy, "...I put
thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of
God..." (II Tim. 1:6) We have asked the "gift of
God" to dwell in us since our day of conversion;
however, it is crucial that we exercise this "gift
of God" to keep it at its greatest potential. What
is its greatest potential? It is the Spirit of
God, the Holy Spirit, so potential is endless and
great. "For the Spirit that God has given us does
not impart timidity but power and love and
6 THE PILGRIM
self-control." (II Tim. 1:7, Williams New Testament)
"Do not neglect the spiritual gift within you,
which was bestowed upon you through prophetic
utterance with the laying on of hands by the
presbytery. Take PAINS with these things; be
ABSORBED in them, so that your progress may be
evident to all. Pay close attention to yourself
and to your teaching ; PERSEVERE in these things ;
for as you do this you will INSURE SALVATION BOTH
FOR YOURSELF AND FOR THOSE WHO HEAR YOU." (I Tim.
4 : 14-16 , NASB , emphasis mine . ) It is only on this
foundation that any type of mission work will be a
success. Without this even the most elaborate
organizations will ultimately fail, and great and
noticeable will be their fall, but sad and
devastating will be the loss.
If Timothy needed stirring up, how much more do
we need it today! By way of remembrance, let ' s go
back to when we first met Jesus. Where was it?
Was it not in your loving parents , in your grand-
parents where the image of Christ shone through
their character? Through their examples and
attitudes? Timothy had seen this in his
grandmother Lois; "the unfeigned faith," their
ironclad steadfastness to the end . We were
protected; we were corrected; we were taught; we
were shown. Then we came to Christ ourselves and
we have these memories and they are precious. But
NOW, what are we going to do with these, all these
precious memories of faith unfeigned, of images of
Christ-love, self-control, and power? What are we
going to do? Just sit back and remember? Live in
the past? That won't get us anywhere. We need to
be stirred up and exercised I We need to reach the
boiling point! Because the greater the fervency of
Spirit we have, the greater witness we have. (Acts
18:25) We have witness to the world only through
the witness of the Spirit. (I John 5:6,8) People
see this through our countenance, our attitudes,
our concern for others. This is what people saw in
Jesus.
THE PILGRIM
Jesus has left us with what is known as the
great commission- There is nothing really
complicated about it. It is pretty much self-
explanatory, so we won't go into it here, But this
ties in with being "lights in the world," "salt of
the earth," and "a city set on a hill." This
describes our position in the world though we
aren't of the world. We are positioned in the
world, but our practice is of Christ.
So the first step of Mission is to exercise the
Holy Spirit in our personal life. If we fail here,
we'll fail everywhere else.
To a married man with a family, the second step
is his mission to them. If we fail here, success
any where else means nothing; we become "worse than
an infidel." (l Tim. 5:8)
So we see that it is important that we keep
"first things first." The Apostle Paul is a good
example of a missionary; he remained single and for
a good reason. (i Cor. 7:7) Marriage does not
necessarily exclude us from this though.
The next mission ground is our neighbors, those
at work, people we meet on the street or in the
store: our community. Being in the medical
profession, I have experienced many opportunities
of being a verbal witness for Him. Anyone in a
service work would have a great mission field.
A.W. Tozer was a well-known preacher and writer
(1897-1963) • He wrote many good books; he preached
many good sermons. He didn't believe in
vacations. He had work to do; he had a mission to
accomplish amd he went about it wholeheartedly.
The only problem was that his wife and seven
children didn't see much of him.
So goes the story of many "successful" men.
There is a law involved here that goes something
like this: If you concentrate on one thing, other
important things will be neglected and will
consequently suffer. Balance is vitally important,
8 THE PILGRIM
individually and in the Church.
Now, this being our basis for "Missions," let f s
go on. We want to focus on one kind of mission
termed as "active evangelism." At this point I
would like to refer you to the Spring issue, 1988
"Old Order Notes." It is a special issue on
Brethren Missions with representatives from the
major Brethren groups.
"We want to focus on the individual's being in
the world in daily life and being a responsible
witness for Christ. It is said among Old Orders
that we focus on being God's work in the world
versus doing God's work." ("Thoughts on Christian
Mission," Dale R. Stoffer citing Fred Benedict,
00N, 1988 p. 56)
We must BE, but we must DO also. The title "We
Don't Speak Great Things, We Live Them" reflects an
imbalance; we MUST speak great things AND we MUST
live them. As in all things, Christ is our
example; He did both. He spoke many great things
to all kinds of people AND He lived them. How can
we keep from speaking the great things of Christ?
By NOT being "stirred up" in the Spirit. By being
engrossed in our own selves and our own group.
This is not the example Christ left us.
"Let me look to the crowd, as my Saviour did,
Till my eyes with tears grow dim;
Let me view with pity the wandering sheep,
And love them for love of Him.
We must see the larger picture. Jesus has
called us to be workers in His field. Will He find
us working? (Mat. 9:37,38; II Tim. 2:15)
(to be continued next month)
— Ronald L. Cable
Goshen, Indiana
THE PILGRIM
July question:
What is our responsibility toward those who are
suffering from lack of either physical or spiritual
provisions? Just what does the Lord require of us?
In response to the Taylor's question:
I do believe that we are a very blessed people,
and that very much is required of us. Sad to say,
most of us fail greatly in this area. First of
all, in I John 3:17 it reads, "But whoso hath this
world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and
shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how
dwelleth the love of God in him?" This verse
covers all material blessings. It could be feeding
the hungry or loaning your car to someone who needs
one. When helping someone, we should never expect
repayment. I hear, so many times, people saying
they won't help someone because they have no way to
pay them back, or being upset because they didn't.
I also believe that it is a requirement to help
those in need. (Please read Matt. 25:34-46.) As
for a limit on how much to give, we find the answer
in Matt. 19:21. "Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt
be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to
the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven:
and come and follow me." What would you do if
Jesus told you this? I really think He is.
I think we should be cautious about what we buy
and why. As a farmer I'll reflect on the farming
business. I know people who trade perfectly good
tractors and other machinery for new ones just to
avoid paying taxes. Maybe they should invest that
money in food and clothing for the poor. There are
many tax free investments that help the needy. We
should be even more ready to help spiritually.
Nothing we do is more important than a soul. So
let's never turn away anyone (and I mean anyone)
who needs help. I believe the Lord requires our
all. Jesus said that it is hard for a rich man to
enter heaven. So let's help generously and build
treasure in heaven and not on earth.
— Arlan Wray, Pomona, Kansas
10 THE PILGRIM
THE DUTIES OF PARENTS
3« Educate your children for eternity.
They rightly claim from you, not only that
education which they need as human beings and as
citizens of a free republic, but also that training
to which they are entitled as immortal beings.
Think of it once I You bring into existence a soul
that is invited to live forever. When the
everlasting hills have waxed old and decayed; when
the stars have fallen from the heavens; when the
sun has ceased to shine , that soul will be alive
with eternity still before it. And whether it be
an eternity of weal or woe will depend, in all
probability, upon your influence over the child.
Do you never take that bud of immortality that
is unfolding under your care upon your knees and
tell it in plain and simple language about God,
about heaven, about sin, about Jesus the Saviour,
about eternity? "What if God should place a
diamond in your hand," says Dr. Payson, "and tell
you to inscribe on it a sentence which should be
read at the last day, and shown there as an index
of your thoughts and feelings I What care , what
caution would you exercise in the selection! This
is what God has done. He has placed before you the
immortal minds of your children, more imperishable
than the diamond, on which you are inscribing every
day and every hour, by your instruction, by your
spirit, by your example, something that will remain
and be exhibited for or against you at the judgment
day."
What is it that you are most anxious for
concerning your children? Once when a house was on
fire the mother was very busy saving her trinkets
and her children's trinkets. The fire spread
rapidly and when she tried to enter the house
again, she stopped and shrieked in anguish, for her
babe lay in its cradle in the burning building. At
what a fearful cost she had saved her trinkets!
THE PILGRIM 11
Father, mother, are you seeking to save trinkets
when the souls of your children are in danger?
When your children die will you be obliged to
exclaim in anguish as one father did of his dead
daughter, "She never heard a prayer in her father's
house"?
Do you say, "I will let my children grow up and
decide for themselves about the truths of religion"?
But you do not so in other things. You teach them
your political creed; you teach them that the sun
stands still and that the earth moves round it.
Why? Because you believe those things. You believe
in God, in eternity, in the fact of sin, and the
need of a Savior. Teach these things to your
children. Teach them to your children so early
that they shall at first know no reason for their
truth except the fact that you say that they are
true. It is your right and your duty to prepossess
their minds in favor of these truths. If you do
not do it, Satan will certainly prepossess their
minds against these things. Teach them to love God
with all the heart, and their fellow men as
themselves. Teach the Word of God diligently unto
thy children. "Talk of it when thou sittest in thy
house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when
thou sittest down and when thou risest up."
--by E.T.Cross from Home Duties , 1896-1899,
an old book found among Aunt Bertie Baker* s things.
BAPTISMS
On July 4, we were happy to have Dale and Jodi
Savage unite with us by Christian baptism. Then on
July 18 following a request for Christian baptism,
Matthew Martin was also baptized upon the
confession of his faith in Jesus. We rejoice for
the added fellowship and support for the cause of
truth. May they ever be true to the One who
brought life and salvation to all who will faith-
fully serve Him. — Melvin Coning
12 THE PILGRIM
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
THE GARDEN OF EDEN
When man sinned, God knew they could not live
there any longer, for their desires would be to
follow pleasure and sin. History records this has
happened over and over in the world when people
found a well-favored place to live and had leisure
time. The Bible gives the account of Sodom and
Gomorrah, Nineveh, and even Solomon, in all his
glory and wisdom, going astray. I believe this
well-favored country in which we live is falling
after the same pattern of seeking leisure and sin.
God has promised us a life in Heaven far better
than Eden if we will accept it, and be willing to
live to obey Him.
Ernest Wagner
MARRIAGE
WAGNER — FLORY Daniel R. Wagner amd Donna Mae Flory
were married July 10, 1993, in Dallas Center, Iowa.
ADDRESS CHANGES AND ADDITIONS
Daniel S. Wagner P.O. Box 315
230 E. Main Street
Gettysburg, OH 45328-0315
(513) 447-4944
Dale and Jodi Savage 6754 C.R. 22
Loudonville , OH 44842
(419) 994-3787
Dale and Julie Wemken P.O. Box 1258
412 E. Street
Waterford, CA 95386
(209) 874-1031
THE PILGRIM 13
BEARING FRUIT
To bear fruit that "brings honor and glory to God
is usually an ■ act or virtue that should edify
another to Godliness.
An effective relationship with our fellowmen
requires a subordinate spirit and manner.
Titus 3:2: "To speak evil of no man, to be no
brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all
men." Philippians 2:3: "Let nothing be done
through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of
mind let each esteem other better than themselves."
Meekness is a quality that is needed in order to
enter Christian service. Gal. 6:1: "Brethren, if a
man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness;
considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
II Timothy 2:25: " In meeknees instructing
those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure
will give them repentence to the acknowledging of
the truth."
Meekness is a necessary part of our spiritual
garment. Colossians 3:12: "Put on therefore, as
the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of
mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness,
longsuffering."
Meekness is a requirement to be teachable and to
attain salvation. James 1:21: "Wherefore lay
apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughti-
ness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word,
which is able to save your souls." Meekness is a
requirement to proclaim the gospel. I Peter 3:155
"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be
ready always to give an answer to every man that
asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with
meekness and fear : "
The blessings of the meek are most glorious.
Psalm 22:26: "The meek shall eat and be satisfied:
14 THE PILGRIM
they shall praise the Lord that seek him: your
heart shall live for ever."
37:11: "But the meek shall inherit the earth,
and shall delight themselves in the abundance of
peace. "
147:6: "The Lord lifteth up the meek: he
casteth the wicked down to the ground.
149:4: "For the Lord taketh pleasure in his
people: he will beautify the meek with salvation."
Only in the soil of meekness can the word be
fruitful. Psalm 25:9: "The meek will he guide in
judgement and the meek will he teach his way."
— Kenneth Martin
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 23
In the latter part of chapter 22, Paul was
arrested in Jerusalem and taken to the castle to be
examined by scourging, so that the chief captain
could find out why the people were making such an
uproar. After Paul was beaten, he made it known to
the chief captain that he was a Roman citizen, and
it was unlawful for him to be beaten uncondemned.
Then the chief captain was afraid, and on the next
day he loosened Paul's bonds and set him before the
council (or Sanhedrin). This is where we enter
chapter 23* At the council the high priest commanded
that Paul be hit on the mouth. Then Paul, not know-
ing that it was the high priest, said, "God shall
smite thee, thou whited wall; for sittest thou to
judge me after the law, and commandest me to be
smitten contrary to the law?" Then when he found
out it was the high priest, he repented of his
speaking evil of the ruler . Then Paul learned that
the council contained some Sadducees and some
Pharisees. He used this knowledge for his
benefit. He said he was a Pharisee, the son of a
Pharisee, and said that he had hope in the
THE PILGRIM 15
resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees did not
believe in the resurrection or angels or spirits
like the Pharisees did. Then the Pharisees said
that they had nothing to accuse Paul of, but the
Sadducees persisted to try to condemn him. When
there arose a great dis- sension, the chief
captain, fearing that Paul might be killed,
commanded soldiers to take him by force out of the
crowd and bring , him into the castle. That night
the Lord told Paul that he would testify of his
Lord in Rome like he did in Jerusalem. Now after
the uprising at the council more than forty Jews
agreed that they would not eat or drink until Paul
was killed. Then these Jews went to the chief
priests and elders and told them what they had
done, and that they wanted the council to tell the
chief captain to bring Paul down the next day to
inquire more of him. But the Jews under the oath
were going to be close by waiting for a chance to
kill him. The scheme was planned well, but Paul's
nephew heard them talking and went and told Paul in
prison. Paul sent the boy to the chief captain and
the chief captain pulled the boy aside while the
boy recounted the plot against Paul. The chief
captain sent the boy away and called for two
centurions, and told them to get two hundred
soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred archers
ready to go to Caesarea in the middle of the
night. The chief captain wrote a letter to Felix
the governor and explained the happenings at
Jerusalem. The soldiers went as far as Antipatris,
then left Paul to go the rest of the way with the
horsemen. When they got to Caesarea and the
governor had read the letter, he said he would hear
Paul and his accusers. Then he commanded that Paul
be kept in the judgement hall of Herod . This is
where we leave Paul at the end of Acts 23*
— Ray Davis
CHILDREN 1 S PAGE: ON THE SEA OF LIFE
Children all seem to like action, something that
is moving fast. Have you ever seen anyone water
ski? The person that is being pulled by the boat
is called a skier. He has long narrow things on
his feet called skis. When the skier is pulled at
a fast speed , he can stand on the water . The skier
holds onto a long rope that is attached to the
boat. In the boat is a person that is called a
spotter. He checks the water for floating objects.
If the skier would hit something floating on the
water, he could be seriously hurt. If the spotter
sees something, he makes the skier aware of it. In
a sense we are all skiers. We are being pulled by
a boat called life and we are going at a fast speed.
There are two kinds of boats on the sea of
life. Jesus is the Guide and Spotter of the good
boat. Satan is the driver of the bad boat which
has no spotter. The devil only wants us to hold on
to his rope. He will promise you good things.
When someone is pulled by his boat, he is pulled to
ruin. Let's think about the good boat. Jesus will
not let anything destroy His children that are
holding onto His rope of life. Jesus is the best
guide. Also He has walked on the water without
skis. (Have someone read to you John 6:16-21)
Children, we can all be spotters. If you see
something that will hurt your little friends,
quickly tell them. But most of all, always hold to
the rope that is attached to the body of Jesus.
— Everett Oyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA.
THE PILGRIM
19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 SEPTEMBER— OCTOBER NOS. 9&10
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." i Peter 2: 11
JESUS IS DEARER THAN ALL
Jesus is my loving Saviour,
He is so precious to me;
how I love and adore Him
For all His mercies so free;
When I was lost on the mountains
Barren and dark and cold,
He sought the sheep that was straying,
He brought me back to the fold.
Jesus the sweet Rose of Sharon,
Jesus the Lily so fair;
Jesus my rock and salvation,
Jesus the bright morning star;
He is my portion forever,
My all in all is He
With Him I cannot be lonely,
He fully satisfies me.
Jesus was born in a manger,
Wept in the garden alone;
Poured out His life's blood on Calvary,
Died for our sin to atone;
Rose from the grave more than conqueror,
Went to His home on high;
Soon He is coming in glory,
Coming in clouds of the sky.
— Geo Nennard
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $&00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 95379
LEARNING: A CHRISTIAN PRIVILEGE
Sanford Shank was making a point for Christian
education. "Who can tell me the theme of the book
of Haggai?" No hands were raised. Some of us had
read it fairly recently, but still had difficulty
expressing its message clearly. Haggai is part of
God's Word and actually gives a clear message to
the people to get busy rebuilding the temple after
their return from captivity. It is a book to urge,
encourage, and strengthen the nation during a
difficult time. The point is that, though many of
us have been exposed to the Bible and Christian
teaching all our lives, there is still room for
growth through study.
Schools have reopened for another term. Parents
recognise the need for children and young people to
learn in preparation for normal living. The
government insists on it. But Christian parents
have an even greater goal in mind for their children
— to prepare for this life and the life to come.
The Christian school's movement and home schools
claim more students each term. The reasons for
this are not all negative . We do want to avoid the
temptations and traps of "the world" through public
schools. But the greater reasons should be the
opportunity for students to learn Christian values.
In the past the very purpose for children to
learn to read was so that they could study the
Bible.
How about Christians as adults? We certainly
want to prepare our children for useful Christian
service. But should it stop when school is finally
over? My father-in-law at 86 says he is still
learning.
What are ways we can learn as adults seeking
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improvement, growth, and knowledge of God?
We learn by experience. "Experience is the best
teacher." Not really, but it is a good one. A cat
seems to need many experiences to learn. Cats are
independent and persistent. But Christians should
learn more easily. If we speak indiscreetly about
someone and are overheard, it should teach us to be
more careful about how we criticize. It was said
of a brother that recently passed away that he did
not speak evil of others. He had learned this
lesson well.
If we are embarrassed by a question about the
book of Haggai, perhaps we should study it so that
does not happen again!
A question on the street about our Christian
belief and practices can urge us to define them
more clearly in our open minds. We can learn from
experience, but even then it is easy to forget.
We can learn from others. To allow someone to
teach us requires humility and a willingness to be
taught. Are we able to put ourselves "in someone
else's shoes" to benefit from his experience? It
will sometimes spare us the pain of an actual
experience of our own. Perhaps you have seen a
moving line of sheep following a leader. As the
one ahead jumps over an object (real or imagined,)
the ones following jump, too. Paul says, "Be ye
followers of me, even as I also am of Christ."
Sheep follow each other blindly, but Christians can
follow discreetly, choosing good examples and
refusing poor ones.
We can learn, most of all, from God's Word.
Again Paul writes, "Study to shew thyself approved
unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth." (II Timothy
2:15) God's Word is the final authority. It is
the test of truth, and after all, sincere study is
a search for truth. As a youth I had (subconscious-
ly, I know) the idea that what was written was true
and realistic. We soon find out how far off this
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idea is. Volumes are being written that are
misleading and false.
Jesus, praying to the Father said, "Sanctify
them through thy truth: thy word is truth." Frank
Gaebelein declares that "all truth is God's truth."
He maintains that there should be no separation of
truth into sacred and secular. When we learn from
God's Word it is like drinking from a clear spring
at its very source.
We learn from God ' s Word in the preaching
service. Our best preparation for learning here is
a hunger for God's Word as for a nutritious meal.
One of our hymns says regarding a waiting
congregation:
Now Thy gracious word invites them
To partake the gospel feast
Let Thy Spirit sweetly draw them;
Every soul be Jesus' guest.
The Word of God is vital food for our souls. The
minister through which the message comes deserves
to speak to those who are hungry for the truth.
We learn from God's Word in private study. We
will be blessed in our study if we set some goals.
We might set out to know the content and purpose of
every book of Scripture. Our personal goals might
be to improve our submission to God or to know Him
better or to serve Him more effectively. Sincere
Bible study can help us in these areas.
To accomplish our goals requires a plan like a
business venture needs a course of action. Set
aside some time. Read regularly and prayerfully.
Use commentaries and study guides guarded ly^
remembering they are man's work.
Surely our learning does not need to stop when
we leave school. All our days are opportunities to
learn more of God's "blest ways." We should study,
not because we read it in The Pilgrim, but because
it is a priceless privilege given by God to benefit
us here and in eternity. --L.C.
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AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Let us not be among those who say, "My Lord
delayeth His coming." We are in the end of time;
the falling away is now here. there are many who
profess with much noise and show, but so few who
are willing to give up all for Jesus. I believe
the conditionless grace teaching has done more to
destroy true Bible Christianity than any other
doctrine. Do we really believe the mighty God is
so weak as to allow sin to go on living in our
lives? Jesus came down to destroy the works of the
devil. That means His grace gives us the power to
go and sin no more. I know of no greater freedom
than to be free from the bondage of sin. Sin binds;
it enslaves; its way is hard. But it is, oh, so
deceiving I People who allow a certain amount of
sin to live in their lives become so hard that their
conscience no longer bothers them. But they become
very uneasy with people who talk about being
perfect, or living holy lives in Christ Jesus. If
we are children of light, we will walk in the
light. Light exposes all evil. That's why Satan
hates it. God's Word is a light to our path always.
I believe there are many, who for the most part
know right and wrong, but the materialism and
pleasures of this present evil world have lulled
them into a deep sleep. if only we could have no
other gods before us. If Jesus is really the supreme
treasure in our hearts, it will show in our lives.
I believe history repeats itself. We've known
freedom and ease for so long now, we think it will
go on forever. But time is short, and the days will
be shortened. The world is rapidly changing; evil
is marching openly in the land. Wickedness and
evil always lead to violence. And I believe open
persecution is very near. Will we wake up, and be
ready to meet our Lord? Or will we scoff at any-
thing negative, go back to sleep, and be destroyed.
Today is the day of salvation!
— Kevin Garber, Twain Harte, California
THE PILGRIM
FAITHFULNESS— LOVE'S CONSTANCY
Having been impressed by a recent experience with
the young people, we decided to share it with you.
We had a job too big for us to do alone, so we
asked a young married brother to supervise our
group of young people to help on this task we so
much needed done. They worked with a zeal cheer-
fully and willingly. Before they left, they polite-
ly thanked us for the refreshments, adding that it
felt good to do something worthwhile together.
It impressed us so much to hear from them, how
they want to help out where needed by working
together for a good cause. Let us encourage this
spirit by giving them opportunities, even though it
is humbling sometimes to ask for help.
We want to express appreciation for the group of
respectful young people we as a fellowship have
been blessed with. There have been faithful
teaching and examples by parents and others for
this to be. Also, this shows the young people are
embracing them so far. The kindness and respect to
us older ones and during church services and at our
Love Feasts does not go unnoticed . To hear your
young, clear vioces rise in song to our Heavenly
Father is such an inspiration to many of us. Deep
appreciation is felt to know you engage in respect-
ful activities, not going to movies and questionable
places. There are so many children looking up to
you for examples. If you are faithful in little
things, you will likely be in bigger things too.
Should any of us, old or young, boast? Surely
not, but we should be very thankful and humbly say,
"We have done only that which is our duty to do."
We had another experience recently which portrays
a different picture. Since we knew very little
about one side of one of our family's history we
decided to learn more about them. We were given a
copy of the family's history and were saddened to
learn of much departure from the true values and
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Biblical principles that at one time meant so much
to Great-great-grandfather who left the old country
to come to this country where there was religious
freedom. As we read we were impressed with the
thought that our example of unfaithfulness could
encourage our posterity to lose out in Biblical
principles. We realize each soul that is at the
age of accountability will be responsible for his
own unfaithfulness. Grandfather married a divorced
woman later in life. Now, in our generation,
several have divorced and remarried. Some have
departed from the teaching of non-resistence, and
all but one child and her family have no more
identity that separates them from the world. It is
by the grace of God that this happens to be our
faithful mother and mother-in-law.
Now to challenge our yoking families . Are you
tempted to just rest in your parents 1 labors you so
much appreciate? We believe each generation must
also see that they themselves are convicted to hold
to these important Biblical principles and pass
them on to their children too. This is done by
personally living a dedicated life for Jesus,
faithful Bible study, and family worship in the
home, singing and praying together, and most of all
bearing the fruits of the Spirit in your daily life.
Somehow, we feel that this is the desire of all
young families because you love your children,
too. We just want to encourage all of you to "keep
on keeping on" in striving to be faithful to your
important calling. We know our adversary would
much rather you would be too occupied with the
cares of this life and the deceitfulness of riches
than to take time to consider how quickly these
precious moments of opportunity are gone, never to
return.
"...Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give
thee a crown of life." (Revelation 2:10)
--Betty Beery
Nappanee, Indiana
8 THE PILGRIM
OBITUARY
ELIZABETH (WAGNER) COVER was born December 4,
1901, and passed from this life in Modesto, on
August 22, 1993 » at the age of 91 years, 8 months,
and 18 days.
She was born to Daniel W. and Mary (Wolf) Wagner
on the prairie near Sheridan Lake, Colorado. She
had two brothers, Clay and Ernest, one sister,
Susie, and a half-brother, John, all who preceded
her in death.
In 1913, the family moved to California, and in
1916, settled in Modesto. On November 19, 1922,
she was married to James David Cover. They lived
continually in the Modesto area and happily
celebrated a 70th wedding anniversary last November.
Mother was a homemaker, worked actively in Child
Evangelism, and spent many years caring for
children.
She is survived by her beloved husband, and
their six children:
Louise Buckley of Modesto; Joseph D. Cover of
Baltimore, Maryland; Betty Thompson of Exeter,
California; Robert J. Cover of Smithville, Ohio;
Richard D. Cover of Northfield, Minnesota; and
Nancy Ames of Crestwood, Kentucky. Also surviving
are 13 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and
one great-great grandchild.
The family wishes to express their appreciation
for all the love that has been shown to them at
this time.
Funeral services were conducted August 25 at
Salas Brothers Chapel by David Howard and Leslie
Cover. Burial was in Wood Colony Cemetery.
— The Family
THE PILGRIM
COMMUNION MEETING NOTICES
We of the Eastern district have decided to hold
our fall Lovefeast and Communion meeting the 2nd
and 3rd of October, the Lord willing. A hearty
invitation is extended to all to attend and enjoy a
time of spiritual fellowship and encouragement.
— MelvLn Coning
We » the members of the Old Brethren Church in
California, have agreed to hold our Fall Lovefeast,
the Lord willing, at Salida on October 16 and 17 •
We sincerely welcome all to come and be with us at
this time of communion and revival.
--Joseph L. Cover
BAPTISM
On August 8, we were happy to have Glen and
Rachel Hoover unite with us by Christian baptism.
We rejoice for the added fellowship and support for
the cause of truth. May they be true to the One
who brought life and salvation to all who will
faithfully serve Him.
--Melvin Coning
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATION: GOD'S PLAN
Matthew 25 : 34 : "Then shall the King say unto
them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from
the foundation of the world." I believe this
explains why the world was created. God wanted
family controlled by love to live and enjoy
eternity with Him. As it is written "For thy
pleasure they are and were cheated."
— Ernest Wagner
10 THE PILGRIM
"WHAT IS OUR MISSION?" (Continued from last month)
CRUCIAL QUESTIONS
When approaching non-Christians, good questions
are crucial. "Are you a Christian?" is a simple,
easy one for an opener. A "yes" response might be
led on by "How do you see our Christian walk as be-
ing different from the world?" Their response will
tell you if they are nominal Christians or the real
thing; and the conversation can lead on from there.
A "no" response might be led on by asking,
"Suppose you were to become a Christian, how do you
see that changing the way you live?* Another one
might be, "What do you think of when you think of
Christians?" Their response will indicate how they
view Christianity and can be led on from there.
Another question might be, "Do you think you've
fallen short of the standard of loving God and lov-
ing others?" "Could you love your enemies?" "What
is your standard for behaviour?" You should explain
that Christ gives us the power and ability to do
all things, but of ourselves we can do no good.
Another question might be, "Do you think Jesus
can solve your problems?" Always think of questions
that will lead the conversation deeper; keep them
thinking, if they will.
Don't be afraid to pray with them and even get
their phone number and address for future follow-
ups, if they wish. The more experience you get
with question asking, the easier it becomes, and
you can think of more questions. Sometimes it
depends on the situation as to how you begin. In
fact, at times people will say just the right thing
for you to respond to, if you are alert, listening,
and thinking. For example, I have heard this
phrase countless times, "I just want to die'" I
see this as either an appeal for comfort and
reassurance, or of frustration and anger sometimes
accompanied by profane language. At any rate, it's
a great opportunity to respond to them.
Don't be afraid to rebuke the sin around you —
THE PILGRIM 11
such as in a restaurant overhearing the name of God
spoken as a curse. Would you have the courage to
approach them and explain who God is and what Jesus
Christ did for us? Christ can give us that courage!
QUESTIONS JESUS ASKED
Jesus asked many questions, and His purpose was
to get people to think. If He would have just
stood there and preached, telling thera everything,
His ministry would not have been as effective
because the people would not have been participat-
ors- For some examples:
"Wilt thou be made whole?" (John 5:6)
"For if you practice loving only those who love
you, what reward will you get?" (Matthew 5:46 WNT)
"Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? (Mt
16:13)
"The baptism of John, whence was it? from
heaven, or of men? (Mt. 21:25)
"Why are ye troubled? and why do thoughts arise
in your hearts? (Luke 24:28)
"Lovest thou me more than these?" (John 21:15-17)
Thought provoking questions are a great tool to
get through to people. The Pharisees quit asking
Him questions because He was uprooting their
traditions and theology. (Mt. 22:46)
So we must ask the questions , the hard
questions, and be ready to give the bold answers
which may be unrealistic-sounding to the worldly-
minded because of differences in philosophy and
outlook on life in general.
"Thus the Gospel closes with commission and
comfort for our glorious Lord. Nearly twenty
centuries later His words have the same cogency f
the same relevance, the same application. The task
is still incomplete. What are We doing to carry
out His last command?" (MacDonald, William,
"Believers Bible Commentary, " Nashville, Thomas
Nelson Publishers, 1990 p. 129)
CONCLUSION
We need "stir ring-up. "
Each person must be right with God before he can
12 THE PILGRIM
be an effective witness for Christ.
First things first. If we are married, our wife
and family is our great commission FIRST.
Missions include our neighborhoods, communities,
state, other states, and other countries- Where we
work is a great mission field, especially if you
deal with the public. Farmers might find their
"fields" more difficult to obtain any response, yet
whatever we do, opportunities abound.
Active evangelism, social concern, and living
witness have been identified as three forms of
mission.
We must BE and we must DO. We must speak great
things AND we must live them.
We must prepare ourselves with questions to ask
non-Christians. If the right questions are asked,
much can be revealed about a person. Study the
questions Jesus asked. He is our example and
Teacher.
Today we do not face the threats that the early
Church faced; we face freedom, but freedom ha3
conceived complacency among other things. Other
things have replaced the fervency of the Spirit
that the early Christians had. We should be
ashamed of ourselves.
They gave their lives to proclaim the name of
Jesus Christ; they endured torture and prison.
Near the end of Paul's life, he faced Agrippa:
"Then Agrippa answered Paul, 'In brief you are
trying to persuade me and make a Christian of me! '
Paul answered, 'In brief or at length, I would to God
that not only you but all my hearers today were what
I am— excepting these chains!'" (Acts 26:28,29 WNT)
I belive Paul fulfilled his desire to "magnify
Christ in his body." (Phil. 1:20) What are we
doing and saying to magnify Christ in our bodies?
"...Magnified by lips that bear happy testimony to
Him; magnified by hands employed in His happy
service; magnified by feet only too happy to go on
His errands; magnified by knees happily bent in
THE PILGRIM 13
prayer for His kingdom; magnified by shoulders
happy to bear one another's burdens." (King, Guy H.
"Joy Way" London: Marshall, Morgan & Scott, Ltd. ,
1954, P. 510
— Ronald L. Cable Goshen, Indiana
BEARING FRUIT
Jesus, while living in the world as we are,
showed us how to live and overcome the spirit of
this world. He was in control of all situations as
He met them, because He knew and trusted His
heavenly Father.
Jesus , on ear th , fought and won the greatest
battle ever fought on earth. His weapons were "not
carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down
of strong holds." (II Corinthians 10:4)
Most translations use the words self control for
temperance . It was one of the weapons Jesus used,
and His enemies marveled at it. Matthew 27:14
says , "But he answered him to never a word ;
insomuch that the governor marveled greatly."
Self control is such a vital part of our
Christian testimony that when we fail in it, it
always brings sorrow and defeat, and hinders our
ability to bear fruit that brings honor and glory
to God. When we fail in self control it gives our
enemy an advantage, because he knows we have lost
faith in the God we claim to serve.
As we claim the Gospel of peace and nonresist-
ence, and total commitment and trust in God's will
in everything we have and even our own life — this
claim is only valid in a life of temperance or self
control.
May we bear the image of Christ in all of life's
encounters, that the world may know that Christ is
still alive, and is living in those that have put
full confidence and trust in Him.
— Kenneth Martin
Nappanee, Indiana
14 THE PILGRIM
BIBLE STUDY
We find Paul in Antipatris in Herod's judgement
hall at the first of Acts 24. Acts 23 ends with
the vow of over forty Jews to kill Paul before they
would eat. He was sent to Antipatris by night,
well guarded.
Felix was the governor in Caesarea at the time
and he was the one put in charge of judging Paul.
Ananias, who was the Jewish high priest, came down
with others to accuse Paul. With him they brought
an orator, or a speaker that could use flowery
words to "prove" Paul's guilt.
It is almost comical to read Terti^Hus' speech-
He told at least 8 lies in the course of his
speech. If you read verses 2 through 8 you will
see a few, if not all of them.
There were some good discussions on several
verses. One was verse 16. Paul is speaking: "And
herein do I exercise myself to have always a
conscience void of offense toward God and, toward
men." What a good resolve for all of us! That
sparked the question of "What is our conscience?"
Some of the answers: "The knowledge of right and
wrong which may vary with different teaching."
"The Spirit of God in us steering us from wrong and
to the right." Pilate and Felix reacted similarly.
Both wanted to gain favor with the Jews, so they
went against their consciences.
It is quite obvious that Felix had the wrong
idea for trying to release him. Verse 26 shows he
wanted a bribe from Paul so he could be set free.
Paul didn't give way to a bribe even though the
Christians probably would have been able to gather
enough together. Maybe this would be a good
example for us to leave the trials we may face in
the Lord's hands.
— Peter Cover
FOE YOUTH: THE KEY TO HIDDEN TREASURE
"Oh, is it true that there's a God in heaven?"
Perhaps in doubt your heart has sometimes cried,
"And is it true by Him are blessings given,
And all the soul's deep longings satisfied?"
"Can it be proved, this wondrous Jesus story,
Which has been told so many times again,
That He would leave the realms of heavenly glory,
In love divine, to die for sinful men?"
"This Bible--are you sure it's not a fable,
Or some great legend handed down the years?"
Oh! But it has proved true — our God is fully able,
His mighty works with men should calm our fears.
Oh yes, I know — we haven't really seen Him,
But some men have , and they have written down,
A record, that if we in trust, believing,
The answers to our quests can there be found.
There is no use by human reasoning trying,
God's ways cannot so thus be understood.
'Tis only when the soul, on faith relying,
Believes His Word, will life turn out for good.
The ways of God are deep beyond all measure
For human minds to understand and grasp;
It takes the key of faith to find the hidden
treasure,
The wondrous mysteries of His Word unclasp.
So from your restless strugglings, cease--and
cleaving,
In faith and trust to Christ to see you through,
You'll find an inner peace you'll be receiving,
And God will give you grace--to Him be truel
--Rhoda Coning
Goshen, Indiana
CHILDREN'S PAGE: BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED
I read a story about a 70 year old woman who
retired from the farm. She moved to an old house
that had no insulation. To keep the cold winds
from making the floors so cold, she put bales of
straw around the house.
One day in the spring she was bringing in the
mail and walked over to the straw bales, thinking
it was time to move them to the strawberry patch.
She noticed a little red bud sitting on top of one
bale. Thinking a child had picked one of her
tulips, she started to pick it up. She was
surprised to find it attached to its stem.
Breaking apart the bale, she found the bud had
forced its way through the tight straw. With the
straw removed, it was yellow and unable to stand
alone. So Grandma built a support for it. The
gangling plant on its homemade support was not a
pretty flower. But the sight of the bright little
tulip lifted to the sunlight did something for each
person who saw it. It said our circumstances and
surroundings are not important. All of us are born
to bloom exactly where we are planted,
That is the thought I want to leave with you
children. Each child is planted (or born) just
where God wants us and in the way He wants us. We
may be in a wheelchair or crippled. We may be an
only child or a girl with all brothers and wish we
could have a sister. Let us all smile and bloom
just where we are planted.
— Nancy Oyler
Story from Farm Wife News
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA
THE PILGRIM
19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL. 40 NOVEMBER, 1993 NO. 11
'Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." i Peter 2.11
MY GOD, I THANK THEE
My God, I thank Thee, who hast made
The earth so bright,
So full of splendor and of joy,
Beauty and light,
So many glorious things are here,
Noble and right.
I thank Thee, too, that Thou hast made
Joy to abound,
So many gentle thoughts and deeds
Circling us and round;
That in the darkest spot of earth,
Some love is found.
I thank Thee more that all our joy,
Is touched with pain;
That shadows fall on brightest hours,
That thorns remain,
So that earth's bliss may be our guide,
And not our chain.
I thank Thee, Lord, that Thou hast kept
The best in store;
We have enough, yet not too much
To long for more,
A yearning for a deeper peace
Not known before.
— Adelaide Anne Proctor, 1858
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $&00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover-
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd., Tuolumne, CA 96379
THANKSGIVING FOR GODLY EXAMPLES
A young boy having a meal at a friend's house
noticed that they did not give thanks for the
food. He commented frankly (as children do), "You
folks are like my dog. He just eats."
At this season we are reminded of our duty to be
thankful and to express that thankfulness. As we
think of the many favors from God, we have to
wonder if there are not areas of blessing where we
"just eat" and do not thank Him "who giveth us
richly all things to enjoy."
One of these areas in which we may not be as
thankful as we should be is the example we receive
from others — especially older ones. We know that
God uses parents and leaders as well as brethren
and sisters to teach us by word and example. We
may not always readily receive such teaching, not
to mention being thankful for it. Here we can miss
a great benefit.
In this issue we have the obituary of Amos
Baker, my wife's father. He lived a long life and
in many ways, he was a good example. In his long
affliction he was patient and uncomplaining. He
was punctual — on time — and one of his recommend-
ations to me was to "make the best use of your
time." Some of these old fashioned virtues are
being lost in our fast, modern generation. We know
the good messages we receive from one another are
from God, and may His be the praise. Jesus is our
great example, and we should follow the example of
men only as they follow Christ.
This duty of receiving and being living examples
to one another appears to me as one of the great
needs of our time. To allow the Lord Jesus to
speak and work through us is a privilege we all
have. Particularly is this a need in the family.
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Children are blessed indeed when they have parents
who live godly lives 5 they are sadly deprived when
this is lacking.
The political focus on schools of today vividly
points to this need for exemplary teachers* Money
can be provided through grants, a voucher system,
or any one of many channels. But unless there is
faithful example in the home, school, and church,
the money is meaningless. The world today needs
parents and other "role models" who live godly
lives before our children. We who have been
blessed with this, truly have something to praise
God for in this thanksgiving season.
To be ready to receive the example from a
brother, we need special grace. To be an example
also requires God's help. Paul wrote to Timothy
"Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an
example of the believers, in word, in conversation,
in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Those of us who had older brothers and sisters
in the family should be especially thankful if
these were good examples. We followed their steps
without realizing we were being taught. When they
made mistakes and were punished, it fixed a lesson
in our hearts, too.
Some have said that every single person, even
those we meet for a very short time, influences our
lives in some way. If it is true, then how
important it is to fellowship with faithful friends!
And how thankful we should be for them! It also
makes us realize how much we need the Spirit of God
to protect us when we are in poor company, and to
give us power to be good examples to those who
desperately need the testimony — that the influence
might be in the direction of godliness.
Children and young people especially need this
testimony of a good example. Israel had au army,
but it was made up of men "from twenty years old
and upward... all that were able to go to war."
Younger ones still needed to learn the use of the
THE PILGRIM
weapons and gain the courage to stand in the time
of war . We read of the heroes of some of these
ancient battles. King David had a special group of
thirty mighty men — tremendous in strength, courage
and victories against the enemies. Over these were
two sets of three even mightier than the others.
(Notice that Joab, the captain, is not mentioned,
but may have been mightiest of all.) These were
outstanding In their example to the young men.
What courage they demonstrated for the children to
talk about and aspire to Imitate I
There are heroes like this in every age and in
every category. For some it is the sports heroes.
For others the intellectuals or the political
figures. Those in the Christian faith have a
"great cloud of witnesses" who went before us.
They were the real heroes who gave their lives to
God to be used as examples in life or in death.
James was martyred in the beginning of his
Christian journey. John, his brother, was spaced
to live a long life of testimony, and left writings
given him by God for the instruction of all ages.
Not all the good examples were in Bible times.
We can be thankful for the hymn writers, the tire-
less preachers, the students who labored long to
give us study guides such as Strong's and Cruden's
concordances. The list goes on and includes the
faithful mothers and fathers — forgotten on earth,
but remembered in Heaven for eternity. May we be
in the number who influence and are influenced for
good in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Will we take our priceless examples for granted?
Or will we thankfully acknowledge our need for one
another as God works to perfect us in His Son Jesus
Christ. — L.C.
The most valuable gift we can give another is a
good example.
— Selected
THE PILGRIM
READING TO KNOW GOD'S WORD
To Christians who do not read God's Word with a
goal of at least ten chapters per day.
Encouragements :
You will be judged by God's Word, Get to know
the Judge. Make it a goal to know God's Word.
Make it a goal to read ten chapters per day (at
least the average of ten per day.) Make time in
each day to read. Get up earlier in the morning.
Stay up later at night. Make It better to read
God's Word even when sleepy than to stay wide awake
and not read it. Seek to God In prayer for alert-
ness, wisdom, understanding, and efficient use of
your time. Job said, "I have esteemed the words of
his mouth more than cay necessary food." Make notes
and cross-references in your Bible. If you don't
have much time for God's Word, it won't have much
time for you. The second death isn't much time
compared to eternal life. To know God's Word is to
know Jesus whom He sent. To know Jesus is life
eternal. Praise God for His Word!
Some resulting facts when using the recommended
reading:
There are 1,189 chapters in the Bible. Ten
chapters per day for one year (365 days) equals
3,650 chapters or the equivalent of reading the
complete Bible three times in one year. The actual
Bible will be read, in its entirety, in 250 days.
Any one chapter will have been read in the last 250
days, and many, in less time. Because of becoming
more acquainted with God's Word in a shorter time,
no doubt, God's Word will become as a whole or as a
unit, instead of being sixty-six separate parts or
books; yea, even becoming a living part of your
life. Knowing God's Word as a unit will help in
the study of any single chapter or book.
THE PILGRIM
A recommended reading follows. Read to the
glory and praise of God and His Christ.
— Fred Miller, (reprinted)
BIBLE READING SCHEDULE
Instructions:
Read one chapter from each of the ten groups for
a total of ten chapters for each day. The chapters
of each group are to be read in progression,
beginning with the first chapter. When the last
chapter in that group is finished, return to the
first chapter In the same group and continue
reading. Put a list of these groups in your Bible
for reference.
Groups:
1. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, The Acts.
2. Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers,
Deuteronomy.
3. Romans, I & II Corinthians, Galatians,
Ephesians , Phiiippians , Colos^3 L u is , H<>1> rews ♦
4. I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, Titus,
Philemon, James, I & II Peter, I, II, III John, Jude,
Revelation.
5. Job, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon
6 . Psalms .
7. Proverbs.
8. Joshua, Judges, Ruth, I & II Samuel, I & II
Kings, I & II Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther.
9. Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Ezekiel,
Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah,
Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah,
Malachi.
10. Read alternately: Hebrews 11 & I Corinthians
13.
The Bible reading schedule was first selected by
Fred Miller for the October, 1982, Pilgrim. We
reprint it here by request and in an effort to
THE PILGRIM
encourage Bible reading. To read ten chapters a
day takes a little over 1/2 hour depending on your
reading speed and the length of the chapters. In
my reading I have eliminated number 10 and divided
number nine into two groups after Daniel. This
covers the minor prophets frequently and you might
not wish to continue it indefinitely. I also
divided number one after Luke and combined numbers
5 and 7. I usually read two chapters from each
group taking two days to complete it. You can
adjust this schedule to your needs or use another
one. But the main idea is to read God's Word and
become familiar with it. Learn to know its Divine
Author. "Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I
might not sin against thee." (Psalm 119:11) — L.C.
OBITUARY
Our beloved father, Amos Baker, was born March
11, 1907, the youngest child of Jesse and Sophia
(Smith) Baker to complete the family with Isaac,
Bertie, and Abraham on the Baker Homestead.
Following his early nurturing was a long walk to
Concord Public School with his older brother
Abraham. Plowing with horses, grafting fruit
trees, and carving whistles from basswood were part
of his youth on the farm.
On March 3, 1937, he married Edna Reaman, a
neighbour from across the road, and here their four
children bustled with milking, raised hogs,
harvested the grains, made maple syrup, and
entertained a constant flow of guests.
Punctuality and order were important; also Bible
memorization and "living within your means." Daddy
often took his family to visit shut-ins, and more
than one indigent, distant relative came and found
a home for their sunset years when they had nowhere
else to "go. While his children attended Concord
School he gave diplomatic service to the community
as a trustee of the local school board while the
one room classroom blossomed into seven. The rural
THE PILGRIM
neighborhood could rely on Daddy ' s help when there
was a need. To eager young boys seeking their
first job, he gave work cutting wood.
On September 26, 1948, Amos and Edna were
baptized on confession of their faith in the
atoning blood of Jesus and were loyal members of
the Old Brethren Church. Daddy was sensitive to
his stewardship of the land and outstanding in
conservation and in his concern for the trees,
maintaining the buildings, and reminding us of our
frugal heritage from pioneer days. He, in his
lifetime, witnessed growth and development not only
in farming methods, but also in population of the
area.
The Lord allowed Daddy to go through many years
of confinement, suffering, and limited mobility.
His family can testify to his quiet acceptance of
this, his patience in tribulation, and to his
peaceful passing on September 14, 1993. All praise
to God! He was so thankful to be able to live in
his home where he was so kindly cared for by his
family and was able to see six of the seven
generations who lived in the same house.
He is the last of his generation to be called
Home. He follows his parents, older brothers and
sister, and his wife of 55 years, and one grand
daughter, Betty Baker. Those who will miss him
most are his four children: Paul and Mary Baker of
Maple, Ontario; Martha and Leslie Cover of
Tuolumne, California; Mary Ann and David Martin of
Dalton, Ohio; Elizabeth and John Drudge of
Wroxeter, Ontario; 21 grandchildren who were a
great joy to him and for whom he prayed daily; 7
great grandchildren; brothers-in-law Isaac and Ruth
Reaman, Floyd Perkins, and Lawrence Denby.
The family wishes to thank all those who took
time, over these many years, to come and visit
Daddy , or phone , pray , or write encouraging letters
to him.
With his complete family present, funeral
services were held on September 17, at his home by
THE PILGRIM
Elder Leslie Cover and at Heise Hill Brethren in
Christ Church by Elder Melvin Coning and Elder
Kenneth Martin. His body was laid to rest with his
ancestors and neighbours in the nearby Baker Cober
Cemetery. "I will meet you in the morning..."
— The Family
SHORTNESS OF TIME
Swift the moments fly away, Think, my soul, awake and see
First the hour, and then the day, What will soon become of thee;
Next the week, the month, the year, Whither tending, canst thou tell—
Steal away, and disappear. Up to heaven, or down to hell?
Time is ever on the wing, Jesus, I would humbly pray,
While I speak, or think, or sing; Guide and keep me in the way.
Whether night, or whether day, Every gift and grace bestow;
Time is rolling fast away! Wean my heart from things below.
— A morning worship favorite of Daddy's
A life is lived and death has come,
And taken one away.
He suffered much but now has rest.
God called to endless day.
He'll not return to suffering here,
But we can go with him,
When Christ has come and raised the dead,
And Heaven we enter in.
Examples he has left with us
What he believed to show,
And his desire for us would be
That all his Lord might know.
We may be sure that each of us
God, in this life will test.
Just take the lot that God has sent,
And with it do your best.
— James Beery,
written in memory of Amos Baker
10 THE PILGRIM
HOME DUTIES
5. Make the hone pleasant and attractive to your
children.
I said in a former chapter that the wife should
strive to make the home as much like heaven as
possible for the husband. So father and mother
together should strive to make the home as much
like heaven as possible for the children. Be
pleasant and attractive yourselves, and try to make
everything around you so. Dress occasionally for
your children, as well as for the stranger, or the
street, or the public gathering. Cultivate in your
children a love for the beautiful things of nature,
for birds, and flowers, and minerals, and for the
beautiful things of art. Keep those things in and
around your home, especially in the living room.
Economize somewhere else if necessary in order to
provide papers and magazines suitable for the
children. Indulge freely in pictures and picture
books, for pictures are the delight of children.
Do not put all the beautiful things in the parlor
and then forbid that room to the children.
Provide an abundance of amusements and
recreations, but admit to your home no game or
amusement by means of which your children, as they
go out into society, or into the world, will be in
any danger of being led into bad society or bad
habits , or of leading others into them. There are
such games and amusements, and I am sorry to say
that they are sometimes admitted to Christian homes.
Be at home all you can. I pity the children
whose parents prefer the ball-room, or fashionable
party, or theater, to the home. And I pity those
parents, too. "What shall the harvest be?" is a
question they would do well to ask. Give the best
of yourself, your time, your means, to making home
pleasant and attractive. Do this, and your
children when young will not be drawn into the
street or to the place of evil resort. And when
THE PILGRIM 11
they grow to be men and women they will always look
back with joy upon the home of their childhood, and
speak of it with pride.
The effort to make home pleasant for the
children may save you the scalding tear and the
hopeless anguish which many a parent has had for a
dissipated son or a ruined daughter.
Try in every way you can to make your children
happy. It is so easy to bring joy to a child's
heart. It can be done in a hundred little ways
that cost but little. Jean Paul, a great German
writer, wrote many wise things, but the best thing
he ever wrote was this:
"I love God and little children."
If a loving God has given you little children,
prize them as among heaven's richest gifts. Give
them all the sunshine you can. Their cares will
come soon and last long.
—by R.T.Cross from HOME DUTIES, 1896-1899
BIRTHS
FLORA — A daughter, Holly Elyse, born September 20,
to Greg and Elizabeth Flora of Wakarusa, Indiana.
BEERY — A daughter, Deborah Rose, born September
23, to Daniel and Miriam Beery of Nappanee, Indiana.
COVER — A daughter , Amanda Joy, born October 21,
to Jesse and Rachel Cover of Tuolumne, California.
MARRIAGE
WAGNER — OYLER Edward Wagner and Deann Oyler were
married August 7, in Modesto, California.
New Address: 1905 Anderson Rd. Apt. 253
Davis, CA 95616
(916) 662-8898
12 THE PILGRIM
ADDRESS CHANGES AND ADDITION
Glen and Rachel Hoover 25133 C.R. 36
Goshen, IN. 46526
(219) 862-2732
Viola Wolf 1259 North Chippewa
Greenville, OH. 45331
Dan Mohler's phone (209) 599-7772
BEARING FRUIT
When man lost fellowship with God, he also lost
fellowship with his fellowman.
The first account of man's relationship with one
another, after the fall, was of Cain's slaying his
brother.
The cause of all human misery and sin comes from
losing fellowship with God and then one another.
We are seeing the fulfillment of Scriptures
prophesying of the breakdown of human relationships
and end time moral decay of society* In light of
these world conditions, how is God revealing
Himself today?
In time past God revealed Himself to man in
various ways: His power shook the earth, He calmed
the raging storm, healed the sick, brought the dead
back to life, and much more.
For us to bear fruit that brings honor and glory
to God we must be knowledgeable of how He reveals
Himself to fallen man today, and be involved in it.
When man becomes a new creature in Christ Jesus,
God has what He wanted ever since man fell from His
fellowship amd communion. So of all the things
that God has powerfully displayed before man, there
is none greater than to behold a new creation.
This is the strongest witness and testimony against
all evil, because it is proof that all men could
become righteous before God without excuse.
In these last days, we, the church, the called
out ones, have been called to prove God as all
THE PILGRIM 13
powerful In restoring mankind. The marvel of this
new creation is that the fellowship of man is being
restored to what God wants it to be. (I John 1:7)
We are called to be a "royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that we should shew
forth the praise of Him who hath called (us) out of
darkness into His marvelous light:" where man can
see and hear a collective and united voice of
righteousness, peace , and joy in the Holy Spirit —
where man can see prophecy being fulfilled: Isaiah
61:9 : "And their seed shall be known among the
Gentiles, and their offspring among the people:
all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they
are the seed which the Lord hath blessed." Isaiah
62:3: "Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the
hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of
thy God."
Philipians 2:15: "That ye may be blameless and
harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the
midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom
ye shine as lights in the world," that all men
might see and know that fellowship with God and man
is restored to His will. — Kenneth Martin
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
PRAYER AND THANKS
Philippians 4:6: "Be careful for nothing; but
in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto
God." God knows what we need before we ask, but He
wants us to feel the need enough to ask and feel
thankful for each gift.
BENEFITS
In Psalm 103 David tells us many benefits we can
expect to receive, when we remember to thank the
Lord when we receive them. The Lord wants to hear
praise and thanks from us and He will reward us for
it. Hebrews 13:15: "By him therefore let us offer
the sacrifice of praise tp God continually, that
is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his
name." — Ernest Wagner
14 THE PILGRIM
BIBLE STUDY
In the last chapter we studied, Paul requested
to be sent to Rome to be judged by Caesar. Felix
had to concede to send Paul. While Paul was at
Caesarea, King Agrippa came to visit Felix and hear
Paul. This is where we enter chapter 26. Paul is
in front of King Agrippa, and has been given the
right to speak. He says that he is happy to speak
about what he is accused of by the Jews. Paul makes
the reference to how much knowledge King Agrippa has
about the Law. Paul describes his youth as a
Pharisee doing things contrary to the name of Jesus
Christ. He states how he received authority to put
the saints in prison, later to kill them. Then Paul
told Agrippa what happened on the road to
Damascus. Paul said, "As I journeyed along the
road, I and the people with me saw a great light
that was brighter than the sun. I fell down and a
voice said, 'Saul, why do you persecute me?' I
answered and said, 'Who are you?' Then the voice of
heaven said, 'I am Jesus.' I was told to rise and
witness both of what I saw and what was to appear
to me. I have been obedient to do this in Damascus,
Jerusalem, throughout all the coast of Judaea, and
to the Gentiles, telling them to repent and turn to
Jesus. For this the Jews wish to kill me. With
help from God I have continued unto this day,
ministering of what Moses said. That is, Christ
was going to suffer and die and then be raised from
the dead and give salvation to the Jews and Gentiles
alike." Then Felix accused Paul of being beside
himself ♦ But Paul said he was just speaking the
truth. Then Agrippa told Paul he is almost persuad-
ed to be a Christian; but Paul says he would like
every one that was listening to be as much a
Christian as he. Then the king and they that sat
with him rose, went aside, and discussed what was
said. He declared Paul was not guilty of any law
worthy of death. King Agrippa told Felix that Paul
would have been given his freedom, but he appealed
to Caesar. So he had to go and be judged by Caesar.
This is the ending of chapter 26. — Ray Davis
THE PILGRIM 15
YOUTH PAGE: SWEET SMELLING
A Persian fable says: One day
A wanderer found a lump of clay
So redolent of sweet perfume
Its odors scented all the room.
"What art thou?" was his quick demand,
"Art thou some gem from Samarcand,
Or spikenard in this rude disguise,
Or other costly merchandise?"
"Nay: I am but a lump of clay."
"Then whence this wondrous perfume — say!"
"Friend, if the secret I disclose,
I have been dwelling with the rose."
Sweet parable! and will not those
Who love to dwell with Sharon's Rose,
Distill sweet odors all around,
Though low and mean themselves are found?
Dear Lord, abide with us that we
May draw our perfume fresh from Thee.
— selected from Streams in the Desert
Can we smell sweet as the rose? As the poem
says, we also are but old lumps of clay. Clay can
be put to use or grow hard and old with age. But
as the Lord works with His clay, the smell becomes
sweeter to Him and others scent the fragrance of
the Lord Himself. Bible reading, spending time in
prayer, making others happy, and living a pure life
are things the Lord is pleased with. The Lord
shapes us according to His will, placing us where
we can best be of service in His Kingdom. A song
goes: "Just to be of use to Him, this is now our
constant aim; Pure and strong and true In every-
thing we do; Cleansed from all our self and pride,
Yielded to the Crucified, Empty vessels God would
choose — Meet for the Master's use." The closer we
are to the Lord, the sweeter and richer smelling
vessels we will be.
— Rhoda Cover
16 THE PILGRIM
CHILDREN'S PAGE: DO YOU LOVE ME?
"I love you, Daddy," sang little John, but then
he pouted and grumbled because he had to help Daddy
do the chores.
"I love you, Mama," said little Susie, but then
she slowly and sloppily did the cleaning that Mama
had asked her to do.
"I love you, Grandma," said little Mary, but
then she and her friends snickered behind Grandma's
back at the stooped over way she walked.
"We love you, teacher!" shouted the students,
but soon they were whispering and doing sloppy work.
These children didn' t really mean what they
said, did they? How do we know? What they did
after they said, "I love you" shows us how much
they really loved. Do you love enough to do some
things for someone else when you'd rather do
something for yourself?
Your parents love you enough to correct you when
you do wrong and to provide you with many good
things. Love them in return.
May you continue to learn to love enough to do
"LOVE-LY" things. —Elva Royer
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT#10
Sonora, CA
THE PILGRIM
19201 Cherokee Rd.
Tuolumne, Calif. 95379
THE PILGRIM
VOL, 40 DECEMBER, 1993 NO. 12
"Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain
from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul." / Peter 2:11
JESUS' BIRTH
Silently the people lay
In Bethlehem town sleeping;
Knowing not at breaking day
God was His promise keeping.
Quietly the sheep at rest,
The shepherds give protection*
They watch the stars, east to west
Set in gemlike perfection.
Angel appears to their view,
The shepherds in amazing,
Hearing the words old and new
And hosts of heaven praising.
Jesus is born, King of All;
The angel gives direction.
Find the babe in manger stall
Of the divine selection.
Glory be to God on high,
Peace and good will forever.
Angels sing in starlit sky
Returning to the Giver.
— Joseph I. Cover
THE PILGRIM is a religious magazine published in the interests of the members of the
Old Brethren Church. Subscription rate: $j5,00 per year. Sample copies sent free on request.
Publishing Editor: Leslie Cover-
Address: THE PILGRIM, 19201 Cherokee Rd„ Tuolumne, CA 95379
BELIEVE GOD
"Dost thou believe that Jesus Christ is the Son
of God and that He brought from Heaven a saving
gospel?" The preacher's voice reverberated over
the water to the crowd at the baptism scene. More
quietly, but confidently came the answer, "Yes."
The question is at the heart of the Gospel. Paul
writes that it is the word of faith which we
preach, "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth
the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart
that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt
be saved."
Jesus' advent into the world was so special, so
out of the ordinary, that it was going to require
faith in God in order for men to believe it. And
yet it is not difficult to believe when we know
what the Bible says about God.
Matthew writes, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ
was on this wise..." And he proceeds to tell of
the miracle of the virgin birth. He quotes from
Isaiah 7:14 telling of the sign the Lord gave to
King Ahaz centuries before it happened: "Behold a
virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall
call his name Immanuel." Matthew records the
meaning of this name — of primary importance in our
belief: "God with us."
Several Old Testament passages describe God's
people as a "vine." (Isaiah 5, Psalm 80, Jeremiah
2:21, Ezekiel 15) In Psalm 80 the "vine" was
brought from Egypt and planted, replacing the
heathen. Then the troubles came, and the plea is
recorded: "Return, we beseech thee, God of
hosts: look down from heaven, and behold, and
visit this vine." Read this Psalm and see if this
is not exactly what God did when Jesus came into
the world. Paul wrote to Timothy, "And without
controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God
THE PILGRIM
was manifest in the flesh. . ." Emmanuel, God with
us I Can we understand and believe what happened
when Jesus was born in Bethlehem?
This is what could be expected from God who
created man, saw him disobey, loved him still, and
had the wisdom and power to devise a plan to redeem
him. God visited His people to bring them back to
Him. In Isaiah 43:11 God declares, "I, even I, am
the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. No
one else but God could be the saviour. Is this
hard to believe?
Men easily believe the events of history — the
wars, the rulers, the spread of the empires and
their falls. We believe these things because they
were recorded. We have no eye witnesses living; we
were not there ourselves. But when it comes to
God's hand and His control in all of history, men
doubt and look for other explanations.
Thomas declared that he would believe in the
resurrection of Jesus only when he could see and
touch. He became known as "doubting Thomas." But
Thomas did accept evidence and believed immediately
when he saw Jesus, and confessed, "My Lord and my
God." Jesus told him, "Thomas, because thou hast
seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that
have not seen, and yet have believed."
It is actually dangerous to doubt truth. In
1889 Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was wiped out when a
dam 12 miles up the river burst during heavy
rains. 2000 lost their lives. Many could have
been saved if they had believed the warnings that
the dam might not hold. We are warned to flee the
wrath to come and are given the way of escape
through Jesus Christ.
It is also an insult to God to doubt His Word.
You only need ask yourself what you would feel if
you gave a true offer to a friend and he refused to
believe you or accept the offer. God's anger rises
when men do not believe Him. In Psalm 78 Asaph is
recounting the doubting of the Israelites when God
promised to feed them and provide for them in the
THE PILGRIM
wilderness. They complained and expressed their
doubt. "Therefore the Lord heard this, and was
wroth: so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and
anger also came up against Israel; Because they
believed not in God, and trusted not in his
salvation." (Psalm 78:21,22)
To me it is strange that so many in our time
celebrate the birth of Christ without believing the
Gospel He brought. Perhaps it only shows that much
of the celebration has nothing to do with the
Gospel. For Christians it can be an opportunity to
point men to the Saviour. "What are you
celebrating?" might be a good question to ask those
who celebrate and don't believe. If Christians
observe this time of honoring Jesus' birth, may it
be a day regarded unto the Lord, giving God
thanks. May we never be found defending any kind
of celebration that is dishonoring to the Lord.
Do we believe that Jesus was born miraculously
into the world? Do we believe He died an atonement
for our sins? Do we believe He rose again and
promises eternal life to believers? Jesus said "Ye
believe In God, believe also in me." May we not
doubt His truth, but believe to the saving of our
souls. -L.C.
CONDITIONAL BLESSINGS
God has many general blessings He bestows on all
whether they are good or evil. These include the
sunshine, the rain, the beauties of nature, material
goods, health, and many more. These are available
to all in varying degrees if we appreciate them or
not.
There is another class of blessings of far
greater value. God bestows them on us under
certain conditions. We could never earn them.
They are gifts from God, and are only received by
His grace.
These include salvation, His Spirit, true fellow-
THE PILGRIM
ship, forgiveness of sin, peace, freedom, and
eternal life with Him.
God values these so much He places conditions on
their bestowal. He requires this price, or commit-
ment to bring us into a condition where we can
appreciate and properly use them.
If we are not experiencing any or all of these
we need only to look in His Word to see why.
Jesus told Nicodemas that it required being born
of the water and the Spirit to enter His Kingdom.
He has further explained that it requires renounc-
ing evil, and commitment to daily following His
teachings to enjoy His salvation.
In Acts 5:32 the apostle says if we walk in the
light as the Lord is in the light, we will have
fellowship and cleansing from all sin.
Romans 2:7 says, if we would enjoy eternal life
with the Lord; it requires patient continuance in
well doing.
In John 8:31,32 Jesus tells us, if we continue
in His teachings, we are His disciples, and will
know the truth and it will make us free.
In Philippians 4:4-7 Paul explains, if we are
rejoicing in the Lord, demonstrating our moderation,
and continuing in prayer, supplication, and thanks-
giving, then the peace of God which passeth under-
standing will keep our hearts and minds.
What more desirable situation could we want than
true fellowship and cleansing from sin, and to
enjoy lasting freedom and peace? — to have the
Spirit's continued guidance, assurance of salvation,
and eternity with our Lord!
All this and much more the Lord wants to give
us, if we will only yield to the conditions He
knows are for our good, and for the building of His
Kingdom.
Would you be blest with riches true
That none can take away?
Then there are things that you must do;
They can be had today.
THE PILGRIM
These riches can f t be earned or bought;
As God's free gift they come.
By few possessed, though often sought,
Yet they're possessed by some.
Let's meet His terms so we'll be blest,
So we can happy be;
Let's yield to Him and meet the test,
So He will make us free.
Then yielded and obedient too,
The blessings will come down;
And when on earth our work is through,
At last we'll gain a crown.
— James Beery
A BABY'S PRAYER
Dear Lord, I am so little, still,
I'm not sure why I'm here.
I know I am a child of Yours;
That much is all that's clear.
I do not have the words, as yet,
To tell the ones nearby
That I'm homesick for Your Presence, Lord,
And so, sometimes, I cry.
For I'm so lately come from You
To tarry here awhile,
That Heaven's light still clings around
The corners of my smile.
Give them eyes to see it, Lord;
Bless them as they do,
And help them raise me knowing
I'm a precious trust from You.
— Judith Dekker
— selected by Rosanna Royer
PILGRIM INDEX -1993
ARTICLES
And Ye Fathers -L.C. Feb
Alexander Mack's Groundsearching Questions Jan Feb
Awake To Righteousness -Kevin Garber Sep/Oct
Bearing Fruit -Patience -By Kenneth Martin Feb
-Longsuffering Mar
-Gentleness May
-Goodness Jun
-Faith " Jul
-Meekness Aug
-Temperance Sep/Oct
-Fellowship Nov
Belief In Jesus' Resurrection -L.C. Apr
Believe God -L.C. Dec
Bible Reading Schedule -L.C. Nov
Christian Communication -Martha Cable Jan
Conditional Blessings -James Beery Dec
Excess Baggage -L.C. Aug
Faithfulness -Love's Constancy -Betty Beery Sep/Oct
Feet On Our Love -Elva Royer Jun
Gentleness -Betty Beery Apr
Holy Spirit Power In Our Time -L.C. May
I Am The Door -Alvin Wray Jun
Keep The Gate Shut -sel. by David Skiles
from the Weekly Pilgrim May
Learning: A Christian Privilege -L.C. " Sep/Oct
Look Ye Saints! -Ron Cable Apr
Maintenance And Repair -L.C. Jun
Make It A Point -sel. from Timely Truth Jan
Reading To Know God's Word -Fred Miller (reprint)Nov
Suppose You Were Born Old -J Gipson Feb
Thanksgiving For Godly Examples -L.C. Nov
The Body -L.C. Jul
The Duties Of Parents -from Home Duties 1896-1899
-by R.T. Cross
The Saviour: All We Need -L.C.
Thoughts On The New Year -L.C.
What Is Our Mission? -Ron Cable
Jul Aug Nov Dec
Mar
Jan
Aug Sep/Oct
POEMS
A Baby's Prayer -J. Dekker sel. by Rosanna Royer Dec
A Gift For Lonely Man -Ted Morrow sel. Jul
A Life Is Lived -James Beery Nov
A Picture Of Jesus -Chester Budd sel. Mar
Awake! -Miriam Sauder Aug
Beatitudes For Elderly People -Betty Alltus Mar
Encouragement -W. Cowper sel. by Rosanna Royer Feb
Global Warming -Eddie Wagner Jan
God Bless Thy Year -sel. Jan
Have You Needs? -L.C. Mar
Ho, Everyone That Is Thirsty -Lucy Rider sel. Jul
If You Find Yourself -sel. Feb
In Quiet And Meek Assurance -James Beery Jul
Jesus 1 Birth -Joseph I. Cover Dec
Jesus Is Dearer Than All -Geo Nennard sel. Sep/Oct
Living Fire -Author Unknown May
My God, I Thank Thee -Adelaide Proctor sel. Nov
One Mother's Prayer -Eddie Wagner May
Our Dear Grandmother -Miriam Beery Jul
Our Springs Are All In Thee
-sel. by Murray Brillinger Mar
Our Thanks, God, For Fathers -Lois Johnson sel.Jun
See The Saviour -Miriam Sauder Apr
Shortness Of Time -sel. Nov
Speak Gently
-D. Bates from Poems For Memorization Feb
The Difference -sel. by Melvin "& Marilyn Coning Jan
The Old Tractor -L.C. Jun
The Witness Of God -Ben Cover May
Train Your Children -L.C. Feb
Walking The Road: 1993 -L.C. Jan
YOUTH PAGE
Meekness Misunderstood -John M. Drescher sel. Jan
Little Things -L.C. Feb
Excuses, Excuses -Everett Oyler Mar
Lessons Worth Learning -Abe J. Unruh sel. Apr
Peace -Liana Huffman May
The Key To Hidden Treasure -Rhoda Coning Sep/Oct
Sweet Smelling -Rhoda Cover Nov
UNCLE ERNEST'S MEDITATIONS
Perilous Times; Adopted Sons; Satan' Temptations;
A Still Small Voice; Jan
Salvation; Correction; Obedience; Mercy;
A Lively Hope Feb
Jesus Christ Crucified; Love Of The Truth; Power;
Young Or Old Mar
Examples For Us; Christian Schooling; Light Or Dark;
Healing Power; The Breath Of Life Apr
Chastisement; Christian Duty; Worship; Our Faith;
Correction; Hope; Lessons Of Life May
Faith; God's Restraint On Man; Jesus' Return Jun
God Is Love Jul
The Garden Of Eden Aug
God's Plan Sep/Oct
Prayer And Thanks; Benefits Nov
BIBLE STUDY
Acts
16
-Peter Cover
Jan
Acts
17
-Eddie Wagner
Mar
Acts
18:
-Peter Cover
Mar
Acts
19
-Eddie Wagner
Apr
Acts
20
-Ray Davis
May
Acts
21
-Eddie Wagner
Jun
Acts
22
-Peter Cover
Jul
Acts
23
-Ray Davis
Aug
Acts
24
-Peter Cover
Sep/Oct
Acts
26
-Ray Davis
Nov
Acts
27
-Peter Cover
Dec
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Jury Duty? -Joseph Wagner, -Everett Oyler,
-Harold Royer Mar
Jury Duty? -Aden Gingerich May
Disaster Prayer Groups? -Arnold Bowser Jul
Responsibility To Physically orSpiritually Poor
People? -Arlan Wray Aug
CHILDREN'S PAGES
More Like Jesus -Everett Oyler Jan
And I Shall be Innocent Feb
Compassion Mar
Dancing With The Cannibals " Apr
Alone May
Why Wait? " Jun
A Sunbeam For Jesus Jul
On The Sea Of Life " Aug
Bloom Where You Are Planted -Nancy Oyler Sep/Oct
Do You Love Me? -Elva Royer Nov
Why Work? -Everett Oyler Dec
BIRTHS
Sarah Jo Ellen Cover
Laurel Anne Wagner
Betty Sue Garber
Ryan Michael Cover
Jason Eli Crawmer
Konrad John Martin
Julie Elizabeth Baker
Holly Elyse Flora
Deborah Rose Beery
Amanda Joy Cover
Judah Seth Royer
Jeffrey Michael Brown
Jennifer Grace Brown
Dec 27,1992
Jan 22
Jan 26
Mar 20
Apr 28
May 5
May 17
Sep 20
Sep 23
Oct 21
Nov 5
Nov 23
Nov 23
BAPTISMS
Philip Huffman Feb 21 Dale & Jodi Savage Jul 4
Suzanne Flora Mar 14 Matthew Martin Jul 18
Rhoda Coning Mar 14 Glen & Rachel Hoover Aug 8
Mark & Betsy Brown May 2
MARRIAGES
Richard Moore and Elizabeth Boone
David Wagner and Mona Noecker
Daniel R. Wagner and Donna Flory
Edward Wagner and Deann Oyler
DEATHS
Susan Rachel (Skiles) Coning
Elizabeth (Wagner) Cover
Amos Baker
May
May
Jul
1
22
10
Aug
7
May
Aug
24
22
Sep
14
THE PILGRIM 11
HOME DUTIES
6. Sympathize with your children and teach them
to confide in you.
It is not necessary to be stern and always on
your dignity in order to govern well. Get down to
the level of the children. Recall your own child-
hood, and live it over again in them. Their trials
are as real and as great for them as yours are for
you. Help them to bear those trials. When it
becomes necessary to correct them, do it kindly,
lovingly, tearfully, not in anger, and not in such
a way as to provoke them to anger.
Encourage them to confide in you, to tell you
freely all their trials, to let you know what they
are reading and what company they are keeping, to
talk freely with you about their plans and hopes,
and even tell you about the boyish and girlish
loves they may have. Do not shut up their hearts
from you by making such things a matter of laughter
and sport.
When the right time comes explain to them the
relation of the sexes. Better that they should
hear it from your lips in chaste language than that
they learn it from the obscene book or the vulgar
companion. Teach them to look forward to married
life, and to keep themselves pure and good for the
one who is waiting for them.
Never scold your children, and if in word or act
you do them wrong, do not fail to ask their forgive-
ness. One of the best men I ever knew, who trained
up a most excellent family of children, was
accustomed to ask his children, with tears, to
forgive him when he had in any way wronged them.
Be patient with the children. They will cause
you many trials, many steps, many weary hours, but
be patient with theml There may come a time when
the impatient, angry word, or the quick, stinging
blow, will be recalled with bitter tears.
12 THE PILGRIM
"If we knew the little fingers
Pressed against the window pane,
Would be cold and stiff tomorrow,
Never trouble us again, —
Would the bright eyes of our darling
Catch the frown upon our brow?
Would the prints of rosy fingers
Vex us then, as they do now?
"Ah I those little ice cold fingers —
How they point our memories back
To the hasty words and actions
Strewn along our backward track I
How those little hands remind us,
As in snowy grace they lie
Not to scatter thorns, but roses,
For our reaping by and by."
7. Pray for your children.
After you have done all you can, and the best
you can, to give them a good physical a!nd mental
and moral and religious training, and to make home
a happy place for them, there still remains this
thing to be done, to plead for God's blessing on
your children, and for His blessing on your efforts
for them. The danger of their making mistakes and
going astray is so great, the temptations that
surround and assail them are so many, and so
strong, and so insinuating; the effects of what
they are in childhood and of the purposes that they
form then, reach out so far into eternity that they
need to be all the time girded with the prayers of
a praying father and a praying mother.
Many of us looking calmly back upon the
blessings of life, can lift up both hands and
honestly say that of all those blessings we thank
God the most for a praying father and a praying
mother.
When I was fourteen years of age I went five
hundred miles from home to attend school. The
night before starting, after I had retired to my
THE PILGRIM 13
bed, I heard my mother steal noiselessly into the
room. She knelt by my bed, supposing that I was
asleep, and prayed for her boy, that God would
watch over him and keep him from the evils that
would beset his path. That prayer has followed me
through all the years since then. It has been, and
still is, one of the factors of my life.
In your closets every day, pray for your
children by name. Pray for them at the family
altar. Take them with you sometimes to your place
of secret prayer and pray with them and for them.
Take them with you, too, to the house of God.
Does it seem to you, parents, a difficult task
to faithfully discharge all these duties to your
children? If it does, let me, in closing, sketch
two pictures for you to ponder on.
One picture is that of an aged father and mother
who have had many children. Instead of bringing
them up in the nuture and fear of the Lord they
allowed them to come up under the worst influences
of the village in which they lived. Home was not
made attractive; it was only the place where the
children got their meals and slept. The boys
learned to swear and fight and drink, and the girls
were not such as you would want your girls to asso-
ciate with. In one way and another the children
disgraced themselves and their parents. None of
them are ornaments to society. They do not rise up
and call their parents blessed; they are not to
them a support and joy in old age. No prayer was
ever heard in that household; neither parents or
children cared for the Sabbath, the Bible, or the
house of God.
Near them lived another family, poor, like the
first, but unflinchingly honest. The children, a
large family of them, were trained in the right
way. Home was made attractive and happy. Love
ruled the house. Peace prevailed, and joy was in
every heart. God was feared; His Sabbath was
remembered; His Word was studied. Confidence and
sympathy prevailed between parents and children.
14 THE PILGRIM
The children all obtained a good education. They
all engaged in useful occupations. Some of them
rose to high positions of usefulness. They are
ornaments to society, loved by all who know them.
They rise up and call their parents blessed, and
those parents, in their old age, lean upon those
children with gladness and joy, repaid a thousand
fold for the painstaking care, the unwearying
fidelity, and the constant pray fulness with which
they trained their children. They are blessed on
earth, and in heaven will doubtless be a united
family.
These two sketches are being reproduced many
times over on every side of us. Which one shall be
hung on the chamber walls of your old age, and
which one for you in the picture gallery of
eternity? — by R.T.Cross from HOME DUTIES, 1896-1899
Address Correction: Eddie and Deann Wagner
1180 Matmor Rd. #246
Woodland, CA. 95776
BIRTHS
ROYER — A son, Judah Seth, born November 5, to Sam
and Rosanna Royer of Nappanee, Indiana.
BROWN — Twins, a son, Jeffrey Michael, and a
daughter, Jennifer Grace, born November 23, to Mark
and Betsy Brown of Sonora, California.
BIBLE STUDY: ACTS 27
We are traveling through the Book of Acts. We
have, covered thousands of miles mostly with Paul
and his companions but also with Peter, Philip,
Stephen, and the rest of the apostles as well.
Here, we are with Paul and Luke (as the writer)
sailing from Caesarea to the island the shipwreck
was on. Later we read this island is Melita. He
had appealed to Caesar and was heading to Rome.
Along the way Paul had many experiences which
could be paralleled in our Christian voyage. He
was on board with 276 other people, the most of
THE PILGRIM 15
which were prisoners, Paul was respected by the
centurion. He let Paul see his fellow Christians
in Sidon even though he was a prisoner. In the
forty-third verse we see the same centurion wanted
to save Paul and kept the soldiers from killing the
prisoners.
It was pointed out in the seventh and eighth
verses how slow their progress was and how much
work it involved to get to Fair Havens, How often
our Christian life is the same. It seems we make
little progress in such a long period of time.
While in Fair Havens, Paul advised the captain
to winter there, although it was not a very
attractive place. But in spite of Paul's warning,
they sailed on. Do we do that at times? This is a
good example of taking advice from others.
As they left Fair Havens "the south wind blew
softly" (verse 13) and they were sure to make it.
Overconf idence is a weakness that shows up here and
a subject directly related to ignoring advice.
As the "tempestuous wind," known as Euroclydon*
whipped the sails off the ship, and the sailors
tossed the tackling of the ship into the sea, we
are once again vividly reminded: Do we need
everything we have? Can we lighten our load on our
voyage to Heaven? And as they cast the wheat into
the sea (verse 38) : Are our earthly possessions
keeping us down where shallow sandbars or reefs can
stick us fast?
As they neared the shore of an unknown island,
they saw a creek that they hoped they could
navigate to; but it was too shallow, and the boat
ran aground and stuck fast. The hinder part of the
ship was beaten to pieces by the waves. This old
world is someday going to be like that ship.
Over this whole chapter we can see that God is
in control. He talked to Paul through an angel and
He guided that ship to the island without the loss
of one. He still is in control and always will be.
— Peter Cover
* Greek Translation — A storm from the east.
CHILDREN'S PAGE: WHY WORK?
Six-year-old Tommy just returned to the house
from picking up stones. He was so tired he could
hardly move. He asked , "Mother, why do I have to
work so hard?"
Mother set Tommy on her knee and asked, "How do
you pick up stones? Do you use your mouth and body?"
Tommy giggled and said , "No I I use my hands and
arms . "
"Who gave you your hands and arms?" Mother asked.
"Jesus," Tommy said. "He gave me a strong body
so I could help you and Daddy."
"When you help your parents, you are also
helping Jesus," Mother said. "Sometimes we sing,
'Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.'"
Tommy's eyes brightened. "I remember, Mother,
because I like to sing that song."
"Do you know what we do when we stand up for
Jesus?" Mother asked.
Tommy looked down for a minute, then said, "We
do what Jesus wants us to."
Mother hugged Tommy and said he was right. "In
the river there are fish called sun fish. Before
they lay their eggs, they pile up stones. This is
so the baby fish can have a safe place to be. Fish
have no arms, so they use their mouth and body.
Tommy, how would you like to move stones like the
sun fish do? We should be thankful Jesus gave us
strong bodies."
Tommy threw his arms around Mother's neck and
said, "I am glad I have a strong body to help you,
Daddy, and Jesus." — Everett Oyler
NON-PROFIT ORG. -BULK RATE-U.S. POSTAGE PAID-PERMIT* 10
Sonora, CA
THE PILGRIM
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Tuolumne, Cailf. 95379
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